Mary Wisenbaugh

Mary was one of five children born and raised in rural, northern Indiana, where her parents, Ray and Jessie McKee, operated a hydroelectric plant and a grist mill. Growing up, she displayed many talents: musical (piano, voice, and percussion); athletic (swimming, basketball, softball, track, and cheerleading); and academic (high school valedictorian.)

Mary attended Indiana University, where she earned RN and BS degrees. She met her husband, Paul, at IU and they were married while Paul was completing medical school there. After World War II, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where they raised their two children. Mary worked for many years as a nurse and especially loved assisting in the operating room. Later, she was office manager for the Men’s Athletic and Health/Physical Education Departments at Baldwin Wallace College. Mary particularly enjoyed her final job as Education Director for the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland.

Deeply rooted in her community, Mary served as a member of the Berea Fine Arts Club; a volunteer for her church, the PTA, and the American Red Cross; and a 4-H Club leader.

Mary and Paul moved to northern Virginia in 1976, where Mary explored newfound artistic talents through printmaking classes. She also continued her life-long interests in sewing, knitting, needlepoint, and cooking. Mary was an active member of the Vienna Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon; as a member of her circle, the choir, and the handbell choir; and as a volunteer in the office. Mary was a longtime member of the PEO Sisterhood, serving several times as president of her chapters in Ohio and Virginia. Additionally, she was a life member of both the Order of the Eastern Star and the Indiana University Alumni Association.

Mary and Paul enjoyed a wonderful, active life together, sharing a love of ballroom dancing and travel. They had many happy times visiting and fishing with their son and his family in Southeast Alaska.

Most recently, Mary lived in a vibrant retirement community, Ashby Ponds, where she continued her active life, serving on the Welcoming Committee, volunteering in the Library, playing in the Chime Choir, working with the Progressive Group, and participating in many special events.

Mary will be well remembered by her family and many friends as a woman with a keen intellect, a quick wit, and a great zest for life—a true force who did not waste one minute of her 104 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul E. Wisenbaugh and her son John Craig Wisenbaugh. She is survived by her daughter Jean Wisenbaugh Currie (Richard); her daughter-in-law Vicki McCully Wisenbaugh; three grandchildren—Deena Wisenbaugh Hand (Daniel), Jessica Currie (Drew Borkovitz), and Zachary Currie; and four great grandchildren—Raymond Hand, and Luke, Camden, and Ari Borkovitz.

There will be a celebration of her life at 2:00 pm on July 21st in Farmwell Hall at Ashby Ponds, Ashburn Virginia. A reception will follow. Gifts in her memory can be made to The Nature Conservancy or the Ashby Ponds Benevolent Fund.