Mary Jane Pryer

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Mary J. Pryer age 98, who went to be with her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by family in the early hours of January 25th, 2019. She was born December 20th, 1920, in Dayton, Ohio to Warren A. Plumer and Agnes L. Mott. Mary was born at home. Her neighbor remarked that she was a pretty baby, but not as pretty as her brother, Dick.

She lived an extraordinary life marked with personal and professional accomplishments. She attended Law School at the University of Michigan, and was the first female Editor of the Law Review. Mary met her husband Vern Pryer at a square dance. After this he never left, despite her mother’s disapproval. She married Vern Pryer in 1953. They lived in Saginaw, Michigan where she and Vern had four children: Patty, Tom, Ron and Terry Pryer. In 1965 the family moved to Santa Ana, California.

She retired from law upon moving to California and committed herself full time to raising her children. As they grew, she recognized a need to improve our educational system and served on the Santa Ana School Board from 1973-1989. She also presided as president of the board for a period of that time. She was passionate about education and was a key contributor to bringing fundamental schools to the district and putting an end to the “schools without walls” initiative. After she retired from the school district she continued with her personal passions, which included membership in DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), Ebell Club, and the Genealogy Society. Her hobbies included genealogy, politics, bridge and making sure that her family was well fed.

She had a tremendous impact on so many lives. She shared her stories with those she loved, and contributed to her community through church, education, volunteerism and donations to veterans and political groups. She is survived by three sons Tom, Ron and Terry Pryer, 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her wonderful dog Audrey.

Her impact on those she loved will forever be remembered, and we find consolation in the fact that she is reunited with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her husband Vern and her beloved daughter Patty. A viewing will be held at Fairhaven Mortuary on Wednesday, January 30 from 4pm – 8pm, and funeral services will be held at Fairhaven’s Waverly Chapel on Thursday, January 31 at 12:30 pm. A Celebration of Life reception at her residence will follow.