Mary KRUSE STEER

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KRUSE STEER: Mary Kruse Steer, 87, died peacefully in Seattle, WA on April 27 due to complications from a fall. She was born on July 6, 1922 in Newdale, Manitoba to William and Leonora (Ross) Grayston. Mary began her education in Newdale and continued her secondary schooling in Vancouver, B.C., ending with a degree in Nursing from St. Boniface Hospital. An early work assignment took her to Norway House, Manitoba where she met Dr. Harry Kruse, her first husband. They married and moved to Crestwood, NY where they were active members of Asbury Methodist Church. After several years, they moved a short distance to Bronxville, NY. During their time in Bronxville, Mary continued her nursing, served as superintendent of Asbury’s Sunday school, and was an active member of The Daughters of the British Empire. Despite having only boys, she served for several years as a Girl Scout leader in Bronxville while also supporting her sons’ Boy Scout activities. After Harry’s death in 1977, and with her children grown, Mary returned to the Pacific Northwest in 1982, with a move to Seattle’s Madison Park, where she lived until her death. A close friend from Bronxville, Phil Steer, followed her West, and they married in January, 1985. Phil preceded Mary in death in 1999. During her time in Seattle, Mary was a beloved babysitter, and a devoted member of Epiphany Parish, where she assisted in Pastoral Care, as well as being active in the Women’s Guild. In her later years, Mary moved to nearby Park Shore, a retirement home on the shores of Lake Washington. There she continued to be active in her church, and served as one of the copy editors for Park Shore’s weekly newsletter. Mary enjoyed her independence and surrounded by many friends and Park Shore’s attentive staff she led a very full life. She loved to have visitors, and particularly looked forward to annual journeys to Safeco Field to watch the Mariners play. Mary is survived by two sons, Douglas Kruse (Betty) and Duncan Kruse (Alison), both of Brooklyn, NY, two step-daughters, Judy Steer of Louisville, KY and Terry Steer of Roanoke, VA and beloved grandchildren Sam, Theo, and Katie. Mary is also survived by her sister, Amy Mitchell of Brandon, Manitoba and sister-in-law, Idabel Grayston of Banff, Alberta. Several nieces and nephews also survive: Mildred Woolley, Mel (Flo) Collier, Norm (Marg) Grayston, Lew (Heather) Collier, Marg Alfred, Wynn Collier (Goldwyn Jones), Garry (Gabriela) Grayston, and Isobel (Al) Gregoire. Mary was predeceased by her brother John Grayston (2006), and her sister Win Grayston (2009). A memorial service will be held June 12, 2010, 2:00 p.m. at Epiphany Parish, Seattle, WA. Private burial will occur at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Epiphany Parish, Seattle www.ephiphanyseattle.org,the Central Asia Institute (www.ikat.org) or the Arboretum Foundation arboretumfoundation.org.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 29, 2010