Obituary

Mary Lee Wiser entered into eternal rest March 18, 2016, enfolded in the love of her adoring family. Born February 2, 1922, to Gladys Jo (Owen) and Merlin Allison, in Rushville, Missouri, she grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she graduated from Central High School in 1939. Growing up in a musically talented family, she quickly distinguished herself as a remarkable talent, both instrumentally and vocally. While a music student at St. Joseph Junior College, she had the opportunity to sing at the 1940 New York World’s Fair.
In 1941 she married her forever sweetheart, Robert Maxey (Max) Wiser, but soon had to endure a long separation while he served on a minesweeper in the Pacific theater during World War II. Life was a series of adventures for Max and Mary Lee during their 66 years together. Leaving St. Joseph after the war, they lived in Arkansas, Texas, California and Oklahoma before returning to Lubbock, Texas, where they lived for many years before moving to Bellingham, WA in 2001. In Lubbock, they were charter members of Lubbockview Christian Church, and Mary Lee was active in many church and community activities. She sang in church and civic choirs and performed in musical theater productions. She was president of her PEO chapter, and an avid Texas Tech Red Raider fan.
Once Mary Lee and Max moved to Bellingham, Mary Lee wasted no time becoming involved in a variety of activities. As a member of First Christian Church in Bellingham, she played the organ, taught an adult Sunday School class, participated in a weekly Bible study, and played in the handbell choir. For many years, she volunteered at the Peacehealth Cancer Center where she made many friends with other volunteers and the staff. Always a voracious reader, she loved being part of her LitLadies Book Club and PEO.
Never one to miss an opportunity to try new things, she rode a jet ski in her 80s, went parasailing on her 91st birthday and accompanied her children on many RV trips. She also discovered her talent for watercolor painting at the age of 86.
Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Max, and two great-granddaughters – Trinity White and Lorii Jean White. She delighted in being with her family and is survived by her two daughters, Judy (Walter) Bayless of Bellingham, Merle (Les) White of Livingston, Texas; grandchildren – Allison (Corey) Hughes, Laura (Brandon) Harder, Kevin (Allie) White, Paige White, and Lon (Paula) White; great-grandchildren – Cameron & Daniel Hughes, Caden & Logan Harder, McKenzie, Kaden, Zoey, Christian and Jamie White.
Afflicted with serious health issues for a number of years, Mary Lee showed her strength and determination to the end of her life and was an inspiration to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Christian Church, Bellingham, on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
The family would like to express everlasting gratitude to the wonderful hospice team that cared for her and guided us all through this final journey. You are truly angels on earth!
Memorial gifts may be made to First Christian Church Bell Choir or to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.