Mary Guedry
April 6, 1940 ~ January 26, 2022
Mary Guedry, 81, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at St. Luke's UnityPoint Hospice following an extended illness. At Mary's request, a private family goodbye has taken place. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is caring for Mary and her family.
Survivors include her beloved daughters, Lori (Terry) Townsend and Dona (Sam) Ray; grandchildren, Chelsea (Robert Connolly) Townsend, Courtney (Justin) Vasquez, Taylor Townsend (Cameron Smith), and Colton (Sara) Ray; great-grandchildren, Alayna Marie and one on the way, and Sapriah, Mikailah, and Neo; and many extended family members and friends.
Mary Eleanor Henry was born April 6, 1940, in Camden, Arkansas, to Harold and Bobbie (Braswell) Henry. She graduated from Galena Park High School in 1958. Mary dabbled in various jobs throughout the years including at an airport, in healthcare, as a realtor, but mainly as an accounting clerk. She enjoyed nature, cooking'her famous fried shrimp was THE BEST, hosting wonderfully festive Christmas parties, and going on adventures and traveling to places including the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii. Mary was skilled at many things, though probably a master at sewing. She enjoyed painting, reading, writing'even her own novel, and connecting with family. Many memories were made watching Hallmark and Disney movies, and reading and watching the Polar Express.
Spending time with her family was the most precious time spent in her life. She treasured her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandbabies, instilling in them her wonderful personality traits of strength, resilience, grit, and independence. She will be dearly missed by her loving family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Sam, Ruth, and Bob; and beloved dog, Lady.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Association to fund research, or to personally pay tribute to Mary by contributing to the arts, or by cherishing time spent on adventures with your family. Toast her memory by enjoying a Margarita 'straight up' or a fresh cup of coffee.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Marion
She was always painting something, always trying a new diet like the apple diet, always trying to quit smoking, and always putting up with ALL of us kids hanging out playing pool in the garage or running in and out of the house…not sure why she didn’t kill us half the time. She will forever be loved.
She was always so happy to sit down and visit with us. I remember her contagious welcoming smile. Always creating something beautiful . She sewed my most favorite prom dress that fit me better than anything ever purchased in a store. What a doll she was. The memories are forever. Thank you girls for sharing your momma with us! ♥️
I remember Benny looking for a place to live because he had graduated from A&M and sold his trailer. Someone at the airport put them together because Meg needed someone to fix up her house to sell and Benny started out living there and repairing. When everything was finished, Meg decided not to sell and let Benny stay so he started paying rent. Later another friend, thrown out by his girlfriend, needed a place so Miss Meg said he come stay too. Both guys lived there for some time. I think she enjoyed cooking for such appreciative guys. Once Benny had the flu and I was soooo glad Miss Meg was there to take care of him like a mom or grandmother would. When it was not safe for her to drive due to her vision, Benny pulled a wire on her car so she it would not start and then drove her or ran errands for her saving her pride about not being able to see to drive. He worked extra shifts so he could take off when she had eye surgery. Having lost his own grandmothers, I know she filled a hole in his heart.
I’ll always remember my Grammie teaching me how to make her famous fried shrimp. Nothing tastes better. She was an excellent teacher ❤
Missing you every day
I think about you almost every day. Today is your birthday and I wish I could call you. Happy heavenly birthday. I love you