Her story ends
But her memories live on.
On Saturday March 30, 2024 our beloved mother peacefully passed away. Her children were by her side and held her close during her last breath. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We love you mom.
Cathy, Mark, and Anthony Walter.
Her story began
Mom was born Mary Kresence Gillespie in Columbus, Ohio, to John B. Gillespie Jr and Kresence L Gillespie (nee Eigner) on 11 March 1934. Her brother, John B "Jack" Gillespie III, a Marine Corps Captain, was killed in action in the World War II battle of Guadalcanal.
And continued when
She attended Upper Arlington High School graduating at the top of her class. She in 1952 then continued her education at the two year all girls Stephens College, in Columbia, Missouri. In 1954, she transferred to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill to complete her education. There, she made a bounty of life long friends including Helen and Jane.
After college
Mary moved to Washington DC and found work at what would become the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. She eventually began work at Johns Hopkins Lab where she met her husband and our father Marvin Walter. They married in 1961 and traveled Europe for a number of years. Their first child, Cathy, was born in 1967. In 1968, our father was offered a position at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, which he gladly accepted. Sons Mark and Anthony followed soon afterwards.
After the kids were grown
Mary embarked on her second career as a Realtor. Mom loved the profession but, most of all, she enjoyed the camaraderie of all the amazing people she met through her many years of work. Mary became the top producer for her office and maintained the family's and her own standard of living for over 20 years, until she finally hung up her realtor jacket at the age of 70.
In retirement
Mary fully indulged her hobbies of swimming, traveling, watching sports and news. She visited her daughter on assignments in Italy, Texas, and DC; attended her high school's 50th reunion, and friends in NYC. She continued swimming every "warm" day (meaning at least 85 degrees out) for her entire life.
Sports of all types were very important to Mom, especially football and tennis. She was a life-long Ohio State Buckeye fan, telling stories about her mother taking her out of kindergarten and elementary school for games. After living in DC for almost 15 years, she and her husband, Marvin, became dedicated fans of the Washington Football Team (whatever name they are using this week). Not liking the new name of Commanders or the fact the team has been loosing for many years, she switch to supporting former Ohio State football team members, and settled on the great Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (it is easy to love winners, her daughter and Washington fan says). She still hates the University of Michigan.
Her life in photos
We've put together this page of photographs documenting her life story. We hope they will help you see and learn more about Mary.
Messages
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved mom. I have memories of going to your home when you were all young. Your mom and dad would either be home watching football or go out to watch it. They kept you guys eating gourmet foods 😂. I’m sure she will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Lynne Rubinstein DiPaola says
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sending you love and hugs.
Your mom will always have a special place in our hearts.
The Juliano Family says
So sorry Cathy. Keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you my friend.
Patti & Scott Dathe says
I’m so so sorry for the loss of one FANTASTIC lady!!! She was always fun and welcoming. 🙏🏻❤️
Karen Calvetto says
Sorry to hear. May you find comfort in your fond memories.
Sending ❤️ and lots of hugs!!! 💕
Paula & Frank Walter says
So sorry for your loss, condolences.
Adam Carey says
Lynne just told us about your mom. We are sorry to hear about her passing. We always enjoyed her company when we were visiting when she and your dad lived in Cocoa Beach.
Love, Roger and Karen
Cousin Roger & Karen Rubinstein says
We are so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a lovely and kind soul, always so nice to us. Thank you for sharing all those pictures. What a remarkable life!
Katie & Jerry Dubay says
Mary was my realtor in cocoa beach, Florida. I had stayed in touch with Mary over the years during my travels. It was an honor and privilege to have known your mother. I will miss her.
Cindy says
Cathy, Mark and Anthony, We are so sorry for your loss and ours.
Mary’s smile lit up a room and we all enjoyed her company and sharp wit. We spent allot of time together sharing laughing over how real estate kept changing … your mom kept every MLS Listing book and comp books from the first one till the last one published. We would tease her and she would reply they are reference books… history of Central Brevard. She quickly caught onto computers and showed buyers exactly what they ask for.
Personally she and I are friends. I relied on her to listen to my rough day and she would reassure me it would all be ok.
I know she truely loved your Dad and was so proud of all of her children. We spent hours during a hurricane or two discussing how much she loved you all ! She will be missed but always in my heart.
Patti Bradshaw says
I have fun memories of Mary. My most recent ones are from visits with my wife, Nancy, to see Mary and Anthony on our trips to Florida over the last several years. We really enjoyed our overnights and conversations with them; no politics - Mary didn't like DeSantis, we did.
My oldest memory is playing baseball with Mary in the vacant lot at the corner of Arlington Ave and Guilford Rd. We were probably around nine years old; an age when girls are better athletes than boys. We had a ball.
So keep the fun memories of Mary and enjoy them; I think she would like that.
James Root says
We are so sorry about the passing of your mother. I have a lot of memories of the time I spent with you and your family when we were younger. Running around the neighborhood, playing out back by the seawall, in the big field north of your house, to soccer. We will keep her and and your family in our prayers.
Love George and Angie Reinhart
George A Reinhart III says
My deepest condolences to the Walter family.
Jim Mullin says
I'm so sorry for your loss. We have so many memories of Mary, Anthony, Mark, and Cathy. Anthony, Mark, and Georgie were on the soccer team that we coached. I remember shooting fireworks over the river at their house. Mary was so patient with these active kids. I can never forget their big pet fish with the crooked tail. We are thankful for these special times.
Lois and George Reinhart says
I can see that gleam in Mary's eyes and hear her laugh now. What a great roommate she was in 1955-56 at UNC and the Pi Phi house. We went to DC on Thanksgiving break and enjoyed oysters at the Occidental. Mary knew how to enjoy food, and it was always fun to eat with her. Our friendship stayed strong. Mary stayed with Chuck and me in Paris in our very French apartment, and a few years later, we were at Marvin and Mary's wedding in DC.
On their move to Cape Canaveral, they, along with Cathy, a baby, stayed with us in NC on the way south. Our friendship in later years, when Mary and I were widowed, was mostly over the phone. The warmth, love, and enjoyment of life were always there. I am so grateful she was in my life.
Jane Edwards Hauser says
Cathy, Mark and Anthony,— I was so saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. I really enjoyed working with her at Showcase. Being so well traveled and so well educated she always had great stories to tell when we socialized after hours. She was well thought of by all of us. Cathy, I remember when you were stationed in DC she told us you wanted her to move up there and even had a room painted to match those beautiful blue eyes. She will be missed by many. I hope the love and respect she received from all who knew her will ease the pain of your loss. Rest in peace, Miss Mary.
Lee Cormack says
Mary was a great lady—beautiful, smart, and classy. I loved every minute of being with her. She was always one of our class leaders, ready and knowledgeable. We called her "Good Mary" for a reason. Your friend from childhood, I will not forget you.
Tom Neal says
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. This is such a wonderful tribute to her life and legacy. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kevin & Kerry Berner says
My wife and I are extending our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother, Mary. When we were all kids, I remember your mom for letting us stay up all night playing computer games.
It wasn't until I was an older adult that I found out what a great conversationalist she was. After reading her bio and seeing she graduated at the top of her class, it makes sense now. She was so mentally sharp well into her 80s. I also appreciated how much she loved my dog at the time-- even asking to dog sit from time to time. We also both enjoyed teaming up together against Anthony during our conversations (debates).
I was saddened to learn she passed away, but will always have fond memories of the time I spent with her.
Derrol & Racheal Nail says
My prayers are with you for comfort as you grieve the loss of your mom. I grieve with you. High school friends are often the best, and Mary was my best friend back then. She was my Maid of Honor at my wedding. I spent many days at her home on Fairfax Rd. I have so many memories I hardly know where to begin. I loved Kresence, her mom too. Mary often thought she was much too "attentive," but after losing a son and being a parent myself, I understand. I'm sure Mary did later too.
Mary and Kresence invited my mom and me to drive to Ft. Lauderdale with them our senior year. The only way the school would give their okay to be gone for 2 weeks was if we had to write a report of all the educational activities along the way. Mary was good at convincing the powers that be that we would learn more about our country than sitting in a classroom. With no interstate highways, we did stop at many historical places, taking three days on the Dixie Highway to reach our destination. We stayed for free in the penthouse of the Blue Water Hotel as Mr. Gillespie knew the owner. My first time in Florida. Such fun!
When Mary came for, I think, our 50th class reunion, we went by her house, knocked on the door, explained who she was, and asked if we could see inside. The owners graciously agreed, and Mary loved touring her childhood home. I was so glad to meet Cathy and Anthony when, at Mary's insistence, they came to UA to see where she grew up. Sent them off with a bunch of cucumber sandwiches that Mary enjoyed making. She always loved to cook.
Back in school, she introduced me to Baked Alaska, cooked a lot in her kitchen, and I remember baking a cake for Jim Root's birthday. The last time I saw Mary, several years ago, she and Anthony gave us a wonderful tour of Cape Canaveral, took us to a great restaurant on the water; she was as beautiful and fun as ever. I could go on and on, so many great memories. I just wish I had been more diligent in keeping in touch throughout the years. Loved her!
May God bless you, Mark, Cathy, and Anthony in all your memories and years to come.
Kay Hoagland says
Your memories
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Send an email
If you prefer to keep your communication with our family private, you may send Mary an email (marygwalter@gmail.com). We would love to hear from you.
