Mary Hoyt Stevenson
Mary Hoyt Stevenson was born April 13, 1920, and died at her home in White Salmon surrounded by her family. She died from heart failure Friday evening, Nov. 7, 2008.
She was a true Northwesterner and native of Washington state growing up in Spokane as the second daughter of Dr. John and Ethel Hoyt. After high school she attended the University of Washington and graduated in 1942 with a bachelor of arts degree in drama. In the fall of 1940 she was crowned Queen Mary during homecoming week.
She married Lt. Bruce M. Stevenson, US Navy on March 27, 1943. During his service in World War II, she worked for United Airlines. After the war the young couple settled in White Salmon to start a business and raise a family. Mary was a loving wife and mother, a memorable hostess and very active in the community. She enjoyed many years of fun with friends at a local dance club. Her three daughters were a big focus in her life whether it was leading a Girl Scout troop for nine years or sewing many ballet costumes for dance recitals. She served her country well being the Klickitat County Chairwoman in the ‘60s as well as serving as a delegate and an alternate to two National Republican Conventions.
After her children left home, she enjoyed many adventures with her loving husband. She was galley mate on their boat, “Glacier Bear”, loved to fish and was thrilled when she caught a marlin.
They traveled all over the world on land and sea. One of her braver moments was riding shotgun with her husband during the return trip in his Wagoneer after the Baja 1000 off-road race in 1970.
Her great love of the arts led her to serve on the Washington State Arts Commission and to be a passionate supporter and member of the Board of Trustees of Maryhill Museum as well. Even now, her philanthropic legacy, along with that of Bruce, continues through the Mary Hoyt Stevenson Foundation with significant gifts to Maryhill Museum, the Portland Art Museum, Casey Eye Institute, and the Providence Cancer Center.
Recent years found her spending much of her time at the Town Club in Portland and locally playing bridge with friends.
She is survived by her sister Jean Sagerson, of Spokane; daughter, Laura Cheney, and husband John, of White Salmon, and their children Alan, Grant, and Diana; daughter, Anne Stevenson, of Seattle, and her children Steven and Reyna; and daughter, Leslie Campbell, and husband Doug, of White Salmon, and their children Andrew and Ashlynn. She was preceded in death in 1991 by her husband Bruce M. Stevenson.
Mary will be deeply missed for her true pioneer spirit.
A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the United Methodist Church in White Salmon. Gardner Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Remembrances may be sent to Maryhill Museum, 35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale, WA 98620.
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