Mary Halsen (Crow Feather) was born Feb. 10, 1930 in Sylva, N.C. She died Sept. 22, 2006 at her home in Coupeville after a long illness. She lived in Coupeville for many years and traveled widely.

She taught oral history in local schools about Puget Sound natives. She worked on many political island issues and was active in promoting local tribal relations.

Mary was a member of Snoqualmoo Tribe of Whidbey Island.

She is survived by one son, Richard Keppler of New York; one daughter, Tanya Keppler of Napa, Calif.; one sister, Millie Moller; three granddaughters; one grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary loved Whidbey Island.