Growing up in Oregon, Mary learned the value of hard work from both of her parents. Her father, a Vietnam veteran, taught her resilience, while her mother showed her what quiet strength and determination looked like, working tirelessly both inside and outside the home. Together they instilled in Mary the belief that when something needs to be done, you simply roll up your sleeves and get to work. Those early lessons shaped the work ethic, resilience, and servant's heart she carries with her today.

For more than 25 years, Mary has built a career in business development and marketing within the title and real estate industry, where building genuine relationships has always been her favorite part of the job. Her passion has never been about marketing itself—it's always been about connecting people, creating opportunities, and helping others succeed.

She also studied at the Oregon School for the Deaf, where she learned American Sign Language—a skill she still enjoys using whenever she has the opportunity because she believes everyone deserves to feel included and understood.

Mary and her husband, Norm, have been together for nearly three decades and married since 2002. Together they've built a life centered around faith, family, adventure, and serving others. Their home is shared with dogs, cats, horses, and usually a project—or two. Norm has learned that whenever Mary says, "I have an idea..." it's usually the beginning of another fundraiser, community event, side business, or adventure. Mary is the first to say that none of what she's been able to accomplish would have been possible without Norm's unwavering love, encouragement, and support. Together, they've been blessed with an amazing daughter, who continues to be one of Mary's greatest joys.

Serving others has always been one of Mary's greatest passions. Beyond her career, she has volunteered countless hours organizing nonprofit fundraisers, mentoring youth, serving on the Santiam Scholarship Committee, coordinating a month-long wildfire relief effort that served local families every day, and hosting a free community Easter Egg Hunt that welcomed dozens of children each year. She has helped raise well over $100,000 for local nonprofits and has been honored as Affiliate of the Year and with the Outstanding Citizenship Award for her service to the community.

If she's not planning a fundraiser or mentoring someone, she's probably creating handmade gifts for a holiday bazaar or convincing her husband that her latest idea is definitely the next great adventure.

Joining Salem Angels felt like coming home. As a mentor, Mary has discovered that simply showing up, listening, and believing in a child can change a life. She has an incredible ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and included. She believes life is more fun when it's shared, and some of her greatest joy comes from bringing people together, creating unforgettable memories, and inspiring others to embrace new experiences, create lasting memories, and truly live life to the fullest.

Mary hopes people remember her not for what she accomplished, but for how she made them feel. More than anything, she hopes the people around her feel welcomed, encouraged, and inspired to say "yes"—to people, to service, and to truly living life. She believes the greatest adventures aren't measured by how far we travel, but by the people we bring along, the lives we touch, the relationships we build, and the memories we create together.