Mary Roselyn Palmer Stephens died October 28, 2023 at the age of 98, alert and witty until the end.
Mary was a remarkable person. She was a keen observer who cared deeply and was able to guide, help and teach without being judgmental.
Mary was born September 24, 1925. The eldest of 5 children, she was predeceased by parents Oscar and Eva Hubbard Palmer, sister, Jean (Andy) Douglas and brothers William (Jane) and Robert (Elaine). She is survived by sister Naomi Frazier Corsini (Tim) and sister-in-law Elaine Palmer.
Mary graduated from Glenn High School in 1943 and attended Purdue University before marrying Robert W. Stephens, the only child of Herman and Elsie Beddow Stephens, on December 23, 1944. Together Robert and Mary operated Stephens’ Grocery at the “Y” on Poplar Street just east of Hulman Airport. Their home was attached to the store and it was there that they raised 4 children: Dr. Robert W. (Dr. Susan), Dr. Doyle L. (Myra), Barbara Stephens Bitzegaio (Barry) and Susi Stephens Jordan (Kevin).
Mary returned to college at Indiana State in the early 1960’s where she earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in preparation for a teaching career in Home Economics. She started her teaching career in 1966 at Garfield High School, then Glenn Jr. High until it closed in 1971. She then taught at Otter Creek Jr. high until she retired in 1988. While at Otter Creek she took numerous European trips as a chaperone for students. She was a 4-H leader and sang with the Notabelles (Women’s Department Club). Following retirement she kept busy traveling, going to fairs and watching grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in school sports and activities.
Following her husband Robert’s death in 1993 she moved to New Albany, Indiana where she met and married Herbert Barr. After Herb’s death in 2009 she lived in New Albany and visited Naples, Florida for winters, living with family in both places.
Mary was a thoughtful person who never forgot to send a birthday card to her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She was a voracious reader and continued to sew, quilt, bake pastries and pies and play piano and clarinet into her mid-90’s.
A lifelong Christian, Mary attended church regularly until Covid, then she would faithfully tune in for online services. She gave her love to her extended family unconditionally. Mary was the ideal mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 P.M. Noon on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. Entombment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be prior to services from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Vigo County Education Foundation, the Indiana State University Alumni Assoc. or the Hospice of your choice.