Mary Tallman Scott

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Tallman Scott, 68, of Mason Neck, Va. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. She died seven months after being diagnosed with – and courageously battling – glioblastoma brain cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on Oct. 28, 1953, in Fort Jackson, S.C. seven minutes after her identical twin sister, Marty. The daughter of Brig. Gen. Richard J. and Evelyn P. Tallman, she was a certified ‘Army brat’ and moved throughout her childhood, making frequent returns to both her parents’ hometown of Honesdale, Pa. and her adopted hometown of West Point, N.Y. She graduated from Highland Falls High School in Highland Falls, N.Y. in 1971 and Russell Sage College in Troy, N.Y. in 1975, where she double majored in Physical Education and English. She began dating her beloved husband Maj. Gen. (ret.) Bruce K. Scott in 1973 while visiting her brother, Steve, when both men were U.S. Army lieutenants stationed at Fort Carson, Colo. They were married on May 26, 1975, in the West Point Catholic Chapel at the U.S. Military Academy. Over the course of their more than 46-year marriage, they moved over 20 times, welcomed six children, three sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, 10 grandkids, three cats, one crazy dog, and enjoyed countless adventures together. When Bruce retired from the Army, they built their dream house on the Potomac River where they planted an enormous garden and delighted in watching for bald eagles, foxes, and deer. It’s also where their growing family would frequently gather. Bruce never left Mary’s side throughout her illness and continued to shower her with unwavering love, tenderness, and dozens upon dozens of her favorite flowers. Their marriage is a true love story for the ages, and their support and devotion to one another remains an inspiration to all. Mary dedicated her entire life to others – as a wife, mother, grandmother, and as a committed volunteer. Whether it was leading the PTA, military spouses’ clubs, or Girl Scouts, serving as president of the HOA, teaching Sunday school, reading at mass, or raising funds for local causes, Mary was always the first to sign up when help was needed. Because of her family history of service, military causes were especially dear to her heart. Mary, her mom, and siblings joined the sacred ranks of Gold Star families in 1972 when her father was killed in action during the Vietnam War. She was also her husband’s biggest champion throughout his Army career and beyond. The military legacy continued with her children – all six of whom plus two sons-in-law commissioned as officers following college (all joined the Army, with the exception of one ‘blue sheep’ who joined the Air Force). Mary became passionate about supporting and mentoring military spouses and was a certified trainer for Army Family Team Building (AFTB). For seven years, she also served as the chairwoman of the board for the National Military Family Association (NMFA), where she was committed to improving the lives of military families, including those of the deployed, wounded, and fallen. Mary’s service extended to Gunston Hall, the historic home of George Mason, where she served as head docent for many years. There, she found joy in educating visitors – especially school children – about Virginia history, often while donning colonial garb and cooking over an 18th century wood-burning stove. Mary also adored the outdoors and gardening and was an active member of her local garden club for many years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when camps were closed, she created, planned, and hosted the beloved Grandma Camp, providing her grandchildren with memorable days filled with singing, crafts, outdoor activities, and endless fun that they still speak about to this day, and which will continue every summer in her honor. A lover of travel, dark chocolate, coffee, and a good crossword puzzle, Mary was also witty, well-spoken, and smart as a whip (her family knew better than to challenge her in a game of Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit). She was a cheerful, kind, generous, caring, and loving force in countless lives. Like her mother before her, she was bestowed with the ‘gift of gab.’ She was one of the all-time great conversationalists and an exceptional listener, always ready to offer support and sage advice, without a negative word for anyone. Mary was also a gracious and enthusiastic host for innumerable dinners, ceremonies, birthday parties, and gatherings at her home, relishing in providing a great meal and catching up on her guests’ lives, continuing to chat with them even as the car began to move up the driveway. She made every celebration feel special and every guest feel honored. Mary was a doting participant in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives and took great pride in her children’s military service and personal and professional successes. She celebrated their triumphs and guided them and prayed for them through challenges, including dozens of deployments. She never hesitated to hop on a plane and help out as they moved, changed jobs, bought houses, and welcomed babies. Without a doubt, her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy and she loved nothing more than when the family gathered and the home was filled with laughter, love, and always a little chaos. Mary was also a true woman of faith and devout life-long Catholic. One of her happiest days was watching her son, Alec, be ordained as a priest. Mary was predeceased in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Bruce, and her loving children - Kate Gowel (J.), Andy Scott, Karoline Newell (Russell), Kerney Perlik (Sam), Alec Scott, Adam Scott (Katie) - as well as her six siblings - Steve Tallman (Marcia), Joe Tallman (Liz), Marty Marks (Jimmy), Susy Shams (Maziar), Rick Tallman (Lisa), and Margaret Romero (Dwayne). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren - Matt, Sam, Annie, Joey, Peter, Fintan, Rosie, Nora, Henry, and Fiona – as well as dozens of nieces and nephews, other devoted family members, and, of course, Amy (the crazy dog). A memorial mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at Good Shepard Catholic Church in Alexandria, Va. with a reception to follow at Gunston Hall in Lorton, Va. The family requests all attendees be vaccinated against COVID-19 and bring masks to wear indoors. A family-centric funeral will be held at West Point on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), the Archdiocese for the Military Services, The Brig. Gen. Richard J. and Evelyn P. Tallman Honesdale Education Endowment Trust, or a charity of your choice. Donations to the trust can be made out to the Tallman Honesdale Education Endowment. We will collect donations at the memorial reception, or you can send a check c/o Andy Scott to 805 Chetworth Place, Alexandria, VA 22314.