Mary Elizabeth McCumby

cCumby left this earth on Nov. 7, 2016 for a joyful reunion with her friends and family in heaven.

Mary was born Jan. 25, 1968 in Everett, Washington and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska when she was just two years old. She grew up in the country and had a wonderful childhood: riding horses, snow machines, and motorbikes, fishing, hunting and building awesome forts. Mary graduated from Lathrop High School in 1985. She spent the summer after graduation as an exchange student in New Zealand, fostering her lifelong love affair of travel and exploring new places.

While employed as a pharmacy technician she discovered her passion for science and decided to pursue her dream of becoming a pharmacist. As a single mother she went to school, worked hard and proudly obtained her bachelor’s degree in pharmacology from Oregon State University in 1998. Mary loved Oregon and practiced as a pharmacist in Medford, but eventually decided that she missed her Alaska home. She settled in Wasilla and became the pharmacy manager at Geneva Woods. She loved her profession; her kindness and compassion was evident in the way she interacted with her coworkers and her patients. An elderly person, hospice patient, or young mother stuck at home with a sick child would likely get a personal visit from Mary. She wasn’t just their pharmacist, she was a friend.

As proud as she was of her challenging profession, Mary considered her two children to be her crowning achievement. She cherished being a mother, adored her children and delighted in spending time with her family. She made amazing Halloween costumes for her kids, and was talented in sewing, crocheting, photography, and writing. Mary had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was happiest when she was reading a book. She also enjoyed working outside in her garden, riding her motorcycle, playing with her dogs, or hiking around Hatcher Pass. She inspired her children and grandchildren to share in her fondness of learning, respect for nature; and to value and seek out beauty in the world. She loved to laugh and was famous for her clever sense of humor. Her quick-witted antics made her the life of the party and her smile would light up a room. Mary was a loving and devoted friend, and blessed all who knew her. She was truly an amazing woman, beautiful inside and out, spending her life unselfishly serving other people.

Mary is preceded in death by her dear father, Donald B. McCumby; her grandparents, Charles and Dorothy McCumby, and Clive Frazier. She left a legacy of love and kindness to her two children Hayley M. Shaw (Hoyle) and Wyatt Moses; along with her precious granddaughters Riley and Iris. Mary is survived by her beloved mother, Carmen McCumby; grandmother, Fern Frazier; siblings: Kristy Hyland (Ken), Donald F. McCumby (Diana), Scott C. McCumby (Leisa), Sheila McCumby, and Benjamin McCumby (Teresa); along with dozens of adoring nieces and nephews.

A small, private celebration of Mary’s life will occur on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mat-Su Regional Home Care and Hospice, the Mat-Su Animal Shelter, or the charity of your choice.

The best way to truly honor Mary’s bright circle of love and life would be to follow her beautiful example; love others and go out of your way to be kind to people in need.