Mary Perkins Obituary
MARY A. PERKINS For all of you who have asked, "How old is Mary?". Here is the great reveal! Mary Amelia Harberd was born to James and Lulah Harberd on December 19, 1928, in Coos Bay, OR. She spent most of her growing up years in Council, ID but moved to Glascow, MT with her aunt and uncle to finish High School so she could take advanced classes that would allow her to go on to college. She attended Montana State, Pacific University and graduated from WSU where she received her Education Degree in Home Economics. Her first teaching job was in Pateros, WA where she met David Perkins, also a WSU grad. They were married on August 12, 1951.
Mary and David moved to Entiat where she was the Home Economics teacher and due to a school remodel, she was able to design the home ec room of her dreams. While in Entiat their daughter, Sue, was born in 1954 and son, Jim, was born in 1957. In Entiat Mary was very active in Jr. Women's Club and served as State Director. This allowed her to travel to national conventions throughout the United States.
In 1961, the Wenatchee School District offered her a unique opportunity to help design a Jr. High. Special Education Program for the district. She and her colleagues not only provided basic skills classes for the students, but the program also included Home Ec, shop, art and even some dramatic movie making. She worked at Pioneer Jr. High as the Head Teacher of the Special Ed Department for many years. Her classes were known for their creative style shows and producing full banquets. She became the vice principal of Pioneer and then the principal. When she was principal of Pioneer, she led the staff & students in the change from being a Jr. High into a Middle School. She said that this was her favorite job as this was a highly successful transition.
The Wenatchee School District recognized her leadership skills and promoted her to. Special Education Director which involved leading a 10-school district co-op. When the co-op was dissolved, she remained the Wenatchee. Special Education Director where she worked until her retirement in 1989. The Eastmont School District then hired her as a part-time. Special Education Director until she retired again in 1993.
Mary and David took full advantage of their retirements and traveled the world from Australia to Russia and Europe. They also enjoyed many visits to Mexico, Hawaii, and their condo at Depot Bay in Oregon.
Besides traveling, Mary was a leader in the state and local Washington State Retired School Employees Association. She served as State President and Board Member and was continually active at the local level organizing volunteer projects to help students in the Wenatchee Valley.
Throughout her prestigious career, her greatest love was for her family. She was always planning parties and ready to go on adventures with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The highlight of the weekend was having a home cooked dinner at "Grandma Perk's.".
Mary died peacefully an hour after hosting a Mother's Day party at her condo. After the guests left, she knew the party was over and she went to her "forever home" to be with God. She will be greatly missed by all.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, David. She is survived by brother, Jim Harberd and his wife, Fumiko; her daughter, Sue and her husband, Kevin Kane and Jim Perkins and his wife, Erika; grandchildren: Travis Kane (Dr. Sue), Emma Hopper (Nate), Kittrick Kane and Walker Kane and great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Collin Kane and Patrick Hopper. She also had many nieces and nephews that meant a great deal to her.
There will be a Celebration of Life later this summer.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.
