Mary DeLong, 68, a dearly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died in Olympia, WA on December 16, 2024. She was born on January 27, 1956, to the Rev. Edward Douglas Leche III and Mary Jane (Major) Leche in Seattle, WA. She grew up in the San Juan Islands and graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1974.
Mary earned her B.A. from Washington State University, where she met the love of her life, David Loren DeLong. They were married in Friday Harbor, WA on February 13, 1982. Together they led a life of many adventures, raising three daughters in rural towns of Montana and Washington before putting down roots in Olympia.
Mary was a lifelong member of the Episcopal and Anglican Church and accumulated years of volunteer hours with the church, Yelm School District, Highland Educational Project, and Girl Scouts of America. After a full career, she retired as head secretary at Southworth Elementary School.
Mary was well-known as a warm and outgoing spirit who lived to connect with people. She would travel far to visit a friend and loved welcoming people into her home. She “never met a stranger,” as her mother said. Following the unexpected death of her husband in 2016, Mary found solace and joy in travel and in deepening her relationships with loved ones. Her first grandchild was born in 2021, and she fully embraced her role as “Gaga”.
Following a life well-lived, Mary’s presence in this world will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Dave, parents, grandparents, in-laws, aunts and uncles and is survived by daughters Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Clare, and sons-in-law Bill and Jed; sisters Jane Leche of Westcliffe, CO and Martha Leche (Ellis Krauss) of Encinitas, CA, and brother Edward Leche (Susanna) of Poulsbo, WA; grandchildren Coral and August Tuminez; uncle Ken Leche (Joanne) of Battle Creek, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers and sisters-in-laws.
A Celebration of Life and reception will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 10 am, at St. Paul’s Church in Port Gamble, WA.
The burial service is on Sunday, January 12 at 1pm, at the Valley Cemetery on San Juan Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to Yelm Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 837, Yelm, WA 98597.