Mary Josephine Pippin

Mary Pippin, daughter of Robert J. Sr and Mary Montague, passed away in the City of Mesa, AZ on November 09, 2020. Mary was born on August 6, 1929 in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Mary graduated from St. Patrick’s Academy high school in 1947. During high school, her and siblings worked at a farm.

After high school, Mary worked at Florence Stove and then went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture, Stabilization & Conservation Service. Starting out as a clerk then going to the Executive Director. Mary was recognized for her many years of Government Service on December 29, 1984. Her service began in Illinois and then move to Tucson, Arizona, where she retired as the Executive Director.

Important to Mary’s job was the field days she spent visiting the farms, which she loved. Taking off heels and putting on boots, while grabbing her tape measure, as she gets into her truck heading to the cotton fields, or corn bins, to measure or inspect. To Mary this was better than measuring flour, sugar and water in the kitchen…NO WAY for Mary!!

Throughout her years with the VFW, Moose and Elks women she would pick up her gavel for meetings! Mary also received awards for her dedication to duties and service to others. She found this challenging, supporting and rewarding.

Throughout the years, Mary found time to take various classes at the Community colleges.

Later in life Mary and a group of her friends moved into the Genesis Christian Health and Rehabilitation Center in Mesa. Since the first of January of this year, Suncrest Hospice also provided Mary with excellent Nursing Care.

Mary will be remembered for being a Breast Cancer Survivor and making the best of her life.

Mary lived in many places over her life span; Illinois, Tucson AZ, then Mesa, AZ

Mary was married in 1965 to Donald O. Pippin, Sr. til his death in 1987.

Mary was a member of St. Odilia's Catholic Church in Tucson, AZ before moving to Mesa, AZ where she became a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

She was predeceased by her parents Robert J. Sr and Mary Montague, her husband Donald O. Pippin Sr. Her sister(s), Laura Heil, Pat Barth, and Kay Wilson. Her brother(s) Jim Montague, Paul Montague and infant brother Patrick Montague. Her brother(s)-in-law Jacob Wilson, Chuck Barth, and Gerald Cote. She is survived by her brother(s) ,Robert Montague (Jan) and John Montague (Marla), her sister Lu Cote and her sister-in-law Donna Montague, her brother-in-law Robert L. Heil. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will commence on the evening of November 20th at 7:00-8pm, with Deacon Richard from Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Mary's final interment resting place will be at East Lawn Palms Cemetery in Tucson, AZ. No service will be held there.