Mary Mason Dannegger
January 31, 1944 - September 28, 2016
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Obituary For Mary Mason Dannegger
Mary Mason Dannegger was one of the most beautiful, caring, friendly spirits you could ever meet. Her smile was infectious and she had a gift of making everyone feel special and loved.
She was born January 31, 1944 in Salinas, California. Her father, Howard S. Mason, was a Purple Heart recipient, who gave his life for our country in WWII when Mary was only four months old. She grew up in St. Louis with her mother, Bernice Fleming Mason, her grandparents, and her many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She met her husband, Bob, on a blind date in 1961. Bob was immediately attracted to her smile and outgoing personality. They wed two years later. In June of 2016, they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Holly.
Mary and Bob moved to Raleigh, NC in 1978. Following her retirement from her career as an executive secretary, Mary earned her Master Gardener certification to further pursue her love of nature. Her garden is a sanctuary for her birds and creatures, and an enchanting wonderland for entertaining friends. Her magical spirit is now fluttering around her garden with the butterflies, leading her birds in song, gracefully dancing with the wind, and inspiring her flowers to bloom joyfully with their most radiant beauty.
Mary was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Michelle Walsh and Holly Crumpler, and built loving relationships with her sons-in-law Bob Walsh and Grady Crumpler, and former son-in-law, Jay Rocker, and their families. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Minnie” to her grandchildren Madison and Jake Rocker, and Dylan and Lee Mason Crumpler.
Mary and Bob were long-time patrons of the Carolina Ballet and enjoyed attending the dress rehearsals and performances and enjoyed their relationships with the staff and dancers. Mary also loved to gamble and enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas with her friends and family. She was able to make a final trip to Vegas just a couple of weeks before her death.
She passed peacefully on September 28, 2016. We are inspired by her strength and courage as she endured ovarian cancer for over two years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Carolina Ballet 3401-131 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC 27604
or
Gynecologic Cancer Research Fund Duke University Medical Center Division of Gynecology/Oncology Box 3079 Durham, NC 27710
Services
Celebration of Life Service
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Visitation
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
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Condolences
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September 01, 2020
Mary and Bob , what a great couple who gave back to their community and the running community. Mary will always be remembered as a great host at several get togethers at their home
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September 01, 2020
Roman, Diane, Sara and RJ mourn with you Bob, Michelle and family, Holly and family the loss of our friend Mary. You all were a special part of our lives when we were neighbors and friends in Raleigh. We cherish those times - swimming in your pool, birthday parties with cakes made by Michelle and Holly, garden club, pig pickin's, Christmases, Nintendo Power Pad at your place, Mary's beautiful garden, Halloweens, braiding Sara's hair, a visit in LA and so much more. Mary lived life to the fullest up to the end - good for her. She had a loving marriage, wonderful family, many friends; she was a lucky woman. It's good to know her legacy lives on in her loved ones she leaves behind. You are all in our thoughts. Sincerely, The Ptakowski Family
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September 01, 2020
Blessings to Michelle and Holly and their families...but especially to Bob. I remember when we lost our Mum and how stoic my Dad was...for us. Bob, you need to take the time to grieve, my friend. It's OK... Love, Cory
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of Mary Mason Dannegger
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of Mary Mason Dannegger
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September 01, 2020
Lynn and I enjoyed many wonderful dinners with Bob and Mary at their home. Mary was a wonderful and gracious hostess. Bob, Michelle, and Holly--you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that Mary will live on in her beautiful gardens.
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September 01, 2020
Although many years have passed since I worked with Mary at Kaiser Permanente, I fondly remember her ever-present smile and fun-loving personality. She brought light and loveliness to our work world and we were all better for it. Peace to you and our prayers for comfort, Louise Belk
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September 01, 2020
Mary always made people feel comfortable and welcome. She possessed the gift of shearing, complemented with great conversations. She will be remembered always. So sorry Bob. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your Family Hernan Salazar
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September 01, 2020
Dear Bob . . . I was so sad and shocked to see Mary's obit today. I loved the time I got to spend with you and Mary doing yoga and I thought of you both strongly earlier this week, remembering how fun you both were, and how graceful and lovely Mary was. (And how your strong runner's legs really needed a good stretch!) It all goes too fast, and I can only imagine how it feels to be without your partner in life. I wish that everyone could have as beautiful and rich a life as you and Mary have had together. Sending love, Julie Suiter
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September 01, 2020
Mary brought sunshine and laughter into my life from the first moment that I met her in 1991. I'll never forget our flight out of Raleigh to be guests at the inaugural launch of the Cardinal Cruise ship, Fascination. Ship never left dock, but we had a blast! Thank you, Bob for bringing Mary to my Divinity School graduation last year. You two were always a part of so many special days for the Medlin family. My heart hurts, yet I celebrate the fact that Mary is no longer suffering. I pray that the family finds comfort in their love for each other and in God's love for you all. -- Vicki Parker Medlin
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September 01, 2020
Mary was so much fun to be around! Always a smile (even when you knew she really didn't feel up to a smile), full of great stories to tell, a contagious laugh -- just a really nice person who I will miss a great deal. So sorry Bob. Bob Ross
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September 01, 2020
Bob, we were so sorry to hear about Mary's passing. After meeting her only once before we moved, we were truly amazed by her courage and strength. It was such fun to walk around with her as she showed us your yard. It was obvious how much she loved gardening. We are thinking of you and your family. Charlie & Wendy Couch
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September 01, 2020
Mary's obit------especially the first paragraph-------was "spot on" and captured the human being we all loved and cherished. I never saw her that she didn't light up with that infectious smile and the "warmth" she gave me was simply delightful. She filled the world with joy and I will truly miss her. She was absolutely one of "God's diplomats" Even when she couldn't have felt too well, she insisted on "staying in the game of life" and living it to the fullest. She was so successful at that. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mary's family and those of us who were blessed by her spirit, love, and zest for life! Nancy Dail
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September 01, 2020
What a beautiful spirit! Her legacy is she passed her light on to her children and grandchildren, who continue to light this world. All my love to those who feel the loss of her love, friendship and guidance. Always and forever she will be remembered with love.
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