Mary Margaret Wiley

Mary grew up on the family farm in the small town of Tampa, Kan. She graduated from Tampa High School and attended Marymount College in Salina, Kan. She then married Ken Wiley, her husband of 52 years until his death in 2000. Ken was also from Tampa. They moved to Fort Collins, Colo., where Ken attended college. After graduation, they moved to Springfield, Ore., and in 1954, to Centralia, Wash.

Mary and Ken enjoyed many activities together. They liked attending church functions and were part of many social groups. Mary always looked forward to their bridge club gatherings. She was a formidable card player and often displayed the luck of the Irish. Mary came from a baseball family and with Ken, spent numerous summer days and evenings enjoying ball games at Fort Borst Park. With the Wiley, Conzatti, and Cleary families close by in the neighborhood, life was rarely uneventful.

As a consummate homemaker, she kept an orderly and inviting home. She cooked and baked from scratch and canned extensively. Mary made countless delicious holiday meals and desserts. Her delectable pies and Christmas cookies were an annual favorite. Often the Wiley home was open to visitors from Mary’s extensive social and civic activities. Many guests experienced Mary’s gracious hospitality. She knew how to make each holiday special, decorating her house and sending cards and gifts to family and friends

Mary had children with varying interests and encouraged them to pursue excellence in their activities, from the arts, academics, athletics and beyond. She helped her children gain life skills and made sure her daughters learned how to cook and sew. She instilled a work ethic in her kids and a get it done ideal. “Grandma Mary” took immense joy in her grandchildren. She followed their pursuits and always took the time to hear their stories. Mary often had cookies, candy, toys and a dollar or two when they would visit. Understandably, her house was a very popular place.

In addition to raising her children, Mary had a vibrant and distinguished career outside the home. She was very active in the Democratic Party, often volunteering for campaign functions and events. She placed a high value on education as evidenced by her 23 years on the Centralia School Board, her service on the Centralia College Foundation Board and the scholarship she set up in her husband’s name. After some brief jobs, Mary went to work at the state capitol. She was very honored and privileged to work as secretary to Lt. Governor John Cherberg. She then became the Washington State Senate Journal Clerk, a post she would hold for 20 years. It was a job perfectly suited for Mary; detailed, demanding and making a difference. Current Lt. Governor Brad Owen credits Mary with helping him navigate the complexities of the senate rostrum during his early years. She also participated in many philanthropic organizations.

A devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia, Mary served in many capacities. She was secretary for the church and St. Mary’s School for 12 years. Mary was committed to her faith and service in the church. If she heard of a person that needed a note of encouragement, a ride to church, a hot meal delivered, or other needs, she would make the effort to do it. After retirement, Mary organized day trips to encourage senior ladies of the church. She had an altruistic spirit that blessed many around her.

Mary loved flower gardening, something she appreciated about the Northwest, which she couldn’t do in Kansas. She kept a beautiful yard and had a particular talent for roses.

Mary gave to her family, church and community with dignity and humility and will be missed.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who helped with Mary in her final years, including Cynthia, Mary, Jeannette, Lauren and Denise.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Leo Costello of Pratt, Kan.

She is survived by three daughters, Linda Wiley of Seattle, Jo Allen of Federal Way and Julie Mann (Lance) of Shoreline; two sons, Jim of Seattle and Jon (Nicole) of Centralia; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, followed by a vigil with eulogy and sharing at 7 p.m., both at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 225 N. Washington Avenue, Centralia, Wash. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at St. Mary’s, followed by a reception. A graveside service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Centralia, Wash.

Memorials may be donations, in Mary’s honor, to Centralia High School Dollars for Scholars, Po Box 1104, Centralia, WA 98531 and www.centraliahs.dollarsforscholars.org.