Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Washburn

Mary Elizabeth Washburn, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away peacefully at her assisted living facility on the evening of March 17, 2024 at the age of 94, just minutes before her 95th birthday. The third of five children, she was born in Dolton, IL to John and Hazel (nee Wells) Gates on March 18, 1929. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always went above and beyond to care for those she cherished. After graduating from Livingston High School, she left the family farm to attend secretarial school in Madison, WI before becoming a legal secretary. In 1949, Mary married her true love and fellow Livingston HS classmate, Richard (“Dutch/Dick”) Washburn, and moved with him to Rolla, MO, where he graduated from the Missouri School of Mines. Upon Dick’s graduation and employment with the US Geological Survey, they began a life of travel across the United States before settling in Lake County, IN when Dick joined Inland Steel. There, they raised their daughter Jane (Ron Prickitt) of Punta Gorda and son Mark (Kaye) of Maumelle, AR. When Mary’s children entered high school, she worked as an Executive Assistant at Hammond Lead Products and joined her husband in managing a number of real estate investments. In 1978, she moved with her husband to Ashland, KY where he was employed as plant manager of Armco Steel before they retired to Florida in 1988. Mary enjoyed travel, bridge, arts & crafts particularly quilting, gardening and spending quality time with her family and friends. Holidays, special celebrations and parties of all kinds brought her unique joy. Mary is greatly missed by her daughter, Jane, Jane’s fiancé Ron, her son Mark and her daughter-in-law, Kaye. She is lovingly remembered by her grandsons, Brent (Sue) and Andy (Nicole) who have many fond memories of their grandmother to share with her three great-grandchildren, Fields, Emersyn and Alice. Mary’s ready smile, quick wit, sweet nature and graciousness will be fondly recalled by all who knew her. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Lorraine, and two brothers, Paul and Carl. She is survived by a sister, Jean, and various nieces and nephews. Mary’s funeral services and internment will be private. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Charlotte Memorial Gardens in Punta Gorda. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all who lovingly cared for her in her final days. Mary will remain in our hearts and minds forever. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that contributions be directed to Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County at www.mowofcc.org. Mary found tremendous fulfillment and satisfaction as a volunteer driver delivering meals to area seniors.