Mary Victoria Piatt

Mary Victoria Piatt, born on December 12, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, peacefully passed away on January 22, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. She was the beloved daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Norman and Geraldine Shumway and the third in the line-up of the 5 Shumway sisters. Mary's journey through life was one of resilience, strength, and unwavering love for her family, especially her husband Jim and her four children, Steve, Katie, Chris and Ian. In her formative years, Mary attended an all-girls boarding school in Ohio, where she cultivated the foundation of her strength and independence. Following her high school years, Mary relocated to Washington DC, where she embraced the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood with grace. By the age of 26, she was already a mother to four children and the head of her household, navigating the challenges of single parenthood with limited resources. Undeterred, Mary embarked on a journey to become a Vocational Evaluator, demonstrating her commitment to providing a better life for her family. Her pursuit of education, while balancing work and the responsibilities of raising her children at their home in Edgewater, Maryland, exemplified her determination and tenacity. Mary’s life took a transformative turn when she met Jim, the patron Saint of Single Ladies. 😉 Their union not only brought love into her life but also marked a period of stability and support that allowed her to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and provided deep love and devotion to her children. Jim's devotion to Mary and their family was nothing short of extraordinary. Accepting the responsibility of caring for four young children, alongside the many family dogs and cats, demonstrated Jim’s selflessness and unwavering commitment. Mary went on to become a dedicated Vocational Evaluator, first in Anne Arundel and later within the Washington DC public school system. Her calling in life became clear as she supported and guided young adults in their own journeys, much like she had once navigated herself. Her passion for helping others find their calling mirrored the support she had received from her own parents and what she wanted most for her children. Mary and Jim shared a passion for exploring the world and fostering connections with family across the globe. Their adventures took them to Hong Kong, Cambodia, Thailand, the Bahamas, and throughout the United States. These journeys were not just vacations but opportunities to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. The most important adventure was their annual pilgrimage to Bethany Beach, Delaware, a practice initiated by Mary's parents that seamlessly carried on through generations. This cherished family beach vacation became a cornerstone of their collective memories, weaving a thread of joy, unity, and shared experiences that spanned from Mary's young adulthood to the delight of her grandchildren. The Delaware shores held a special place in Mary's heart, symbolizing not only sun-soaked relaxation and family meals together, but also the enduring strength of family ties and the continuation of a tradition that defined the essence of togetherness for the Shumway extended family. In her later years, Mary and Jim relocated to Fredericksburg and Richmond, VA, to be closer to her daughter, Katie. As Jim faced the challenges of Parkinson's disease, Mary became his care guardian, ensuring he received the care he needed with love and compassion, while at the same time suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis. Mary’s most cherished accomplishments were her four children and eight grandchildren. She took immense pride in their lives, eagerly yearning for updates on their achievements, relationships, health, and progress in school and work. Her children and grandchildren stand as living testaments to the impact of her life, reflecting the love, encouragement, and blessings she bestowed upon them. Mary Victoria Piatt will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments but, more importantly, for her enduring love, resilience, and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her. May her soul rest in eternal peace. The memorial arrangements are being made by Woody Funeral Home-Parham, VA and the family will celebrate her life on February 17th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) https://www.michaeljfox.org, a cause close to Mary's heart and a gesture that honours her legacy of compassion and care. Your support in advancing research for this meaningful cause will be deeply appreciated. In Loving Memory, The Shumway, Spaulding and Piatt Family.