Born March 14, 1947, in Mount Vernon, Wash., to Clarence and Kathryn Tennis, Mary Kathleen Wynn died May 26, 2009. She was 62, with her family at her side, when she quietly passed with the same grace she carried throughout her life. Mary died as a consequence of a pituitary tumor discovered in 2007.

Mary Kathleen Tennis Wynn was a writer; she loved to write. The cards, letters, stories and poems she wrote are the kind you keep tucked away to happen upon, read again, then carefully return to the box drawer to discover again another day. They are like finding a $50 dollar bill you had long forgotten.

Mary always wanted to be a nurse and as a child she read and dreamed of becoming Cherry Ames, RN. She set that dream aside shortly after entering Skagit Valley College, when she married and moved to Quincy, Wash. She lived in Toppenish, Edmonds, The Dalles, Ore., Oak Harbor, and finally Mount Vernon.

It was in 1992, after her children were grown, that she earned a degree in nursing. Her gentle, thorough care endeared her to patients and their families, coworkers and physicians. Mary was best at the bedside. She was sensitive to the needs of others and had a special feel for the needs of elderly people. Her work centered primarily on geriatric and dementia patients.

Mary’s gently smile and caring ways were a blessing for her family. She was the best gift giver and she loved giving. Perhaps her greatest gift to others was her laughter. Her wry sense of humor has been passed to her children and grandchildren. Mary enjoyed sewing, creating dolls, rugs and whatever else she could imagine. She enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing and photography.

Like the Vine Maples in the forests she loved to reach for the sun; she reached for God.

She loved and is loved by her family and friends. She is survived by her grandchildren Emily (partner in crime), Katie, Sam, Gabe, Jacob and Jonny Wynn; her children Lisa, Barry, Jon and Alan Wynn; her mother Kathryn Tennis, her brother Mike Tennis, sister Danae Murrell, many nieces, nephews and cousins; lifelong friends Lee Kolden and Starr LeBrun, and many friends and coworkers throughout the Northwest. Her father, Clarence and her brother, Skip, preceded Mary in death.

Her family would like to give thanks to all of the hospital staff and Mira Vista staff, who cared for Mary throughout her illness. A special “thanks” to Providence Everett Medical Center for getting Mary well enough to say, “goodbye.”

There will be a memorial gathering Sunday, June 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Northridge Clubhouse in Mount Vernon. Friends and family who would like to take part in celebrating Mary’s life will be welcomed.