She was one of Naples’ original “Old Timers”. She was born in Tampa. Florida, then moved to Naples with her parents in 1928, just 2 weeks before her first birthday. She lived a full life, filled with adventures, challenges, and love...and always had a smile on her face! She offered friendship, guidance, and mentorship to so many people throughout the years.
Growing up, Mary and her family lived in Old Naples, just a few blocks from the Naples Pier. Unlike todays’ children, Mary had an extreme amount of freedom at an early age. By age 3, she was hanging out at “the Pier”, and riding her tricycle alone. She would ride her tricycle to see her father, John (Jack) Prince, at his work place, on the corner of Broad Ave. & 3rd St South. She recalled being “pulled over” for riding her tricycle in the middle of the road, by the Sheriff, on one of those trips to see her father.
On Sundays, during the Depression, Mary would often go for rides with her father from Naples to Tampa and back. You see, her father was a bootlegger, and that was his route...and who would question a father out for a ride with his daughter!!!
At age 13, Mary drove the only taxi in town at the time. Her fares included trips to Ft Myers, as well as around Naples. Her driver’s test consisted of pulling out of a parallel parking spot, and then re-parking there. With that, she obtained her chauffeur’s license!
At the age of 14, Mary’s mother was killed in a car accident. By that time, she had 2 sisters, Betty Jean (Mayo) and Joan (Metts), and 1 brother, John Price Jr. Her father remarried a few years later, and she gained 3 more siblings...Jackie (Barr), Susan (Roderick), and Val Prince.
Mary graduated from Naples High School in 1944, as Valedictorian, with a graduating class of 12. She attended college at Stetson University.
With her first husband, Austin Gilmore Evans, she co-owned the business, Naples Liquors, on the Four Corners of downtown Naples, until the early ‘70’s, when they sold it and retired. Together, they had 7 children...one of which was stillborn. Her children are J. Bruce Evans, Marsha S. (Mason), Austin Jr, Mary Ann (Walters), Linda K (Villani), and David Alan Evans. Mary’s home and life was filled with giving of herself, love, and adventure. There always seemed to be extra children in her home, who were visiting one or more of her own children, and who were always welcome. Some of them even traveled on vacation with the family!
One of her many adventures was taking several girl scouts, with another adult, on a canoe camping trip from Naples to Flamingo. Oh, the time they had!!!
Some of Mary’s pleasures included shelling, boating, cruising, traveling, camping, fishing, entertaining, and participating in community and social events. She loved all animals, and supported many charities related to both domestic and wild animals. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved kitty cat “Suzi 2”.
She was a member of the Naples Junior Woman’s Club, and Sweet Adelines. Mary had the most beautiful voice when she sang. You could hear her above everyone else when she sang in the choir at the First United Methodist Church. She was a member and contributor of the Naples Historical Society, The Audubon Society, and many other organizations. She was also one of the founding members of the “Oldtimers” Group. That group consisted of local folks who were in Naples prior to Hurricane Donna in 1960. The group met annually, for many years, at the old Naples Beach Club Hotel.
She was also a member of the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, and the Royal Palm Golf Club. She never played golf, but rather, went for the socializing and food!
Mary was an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 93, in Naples. She retired from the Auxiliary after 52 years, with full honors from the U.S. Coast Guard, Fort Myers Beach Station. During her tenure with the Auxiliary, she was active at a Local, District, and National level. She served as the editor and publisher of the quarterly magazines for The Bilgewater Bugle (local), The Breeze (District), and The Navigator (National) for many years. Through the years, she received numerous awards for her publications.
With Mary’s second husband, Philip H. Lipstate, she enjoyed cruising, traveling the world, socializing, and networking with some of the highest-level Coast Guard Auxiliary members.
Mary is survived by her children: J. Bruce, Marsha S. (Larry), and Linda K.; her grandchildren: R. William Walters, and Mitchell E., David T. and Samuel L. Villani; great grandchildren: Kadence Walters, and Mila, Boone, and Vayda Villani, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Austin G. Evans; her second husband, Philip H. Lipstate, her children Mary Ann, Austin Jr, and David; and her grandsons Jared E. and Brian E. Mason.
Mary’s life of giving will continue beyond her living realm. She has chosen to donate her body to science and research at the University of Miami. Final arrangements are being provided by Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N., Naples, Florida 34108
There will be a Celebration of Life for Mary on Saturday, October 15th, 2022, at 3p, with a reception to follow. The location will be Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Naples, or Brook’s Legacy Animal Rescue, Inc.
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