Mary Louise Read of Pocatello passed away peacefully in her home Wednesday, July 11th surrounded by her family. Mary was born September 25th, 1919 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Charles and Bessie Burns. She grew up there and came to Pocatello at 18 to begin college. A “dark haired, sweet talking, singing man about town”, Harold Read, interrupted Mary's educational plans and they were married in March of 1938. Eight children, 50 or so cats, and a few dogs later the family “Read” was complete, and Mary spent literally every waking moment being a full time mother and care giver.
Mary was an outstanding piano player and upon her baptism into the LDS faith, she began a musical calling that would keep her busy with primary, road shows, and accompanist duties for many years. She was also an outstanding writer and for many years provided the Pocatello 8th ward with a monthly newsletter called the “Paper Plates”. Her activities with her church in these two endeavors were some of the happiest and proudest moments of her life.
Mary is survived by six of her eight children: Eric (Grace) Read of Brigham City, UT; Kristin Jones of Pocatello; Sandra Glick of Pocatello; Jeff (Debbie) Read of American Falls, ID; Luana (Evan) Byington of Lehi, UT; and Erin Read of Pocatello. She is also survived by 17 Grandchildren, 40 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, with a third due in August. She was preceded in death by a 13 year old son, Steven, 59 year old daughter, Susan, and her husband of 60 years, Harold.
Pete, Peter, muder, madre, mommy-moo-cow, mumsy, and so on were just some of the names the family used to refer to Mary. They were all terms of endearment and all loving pseudonyms for the universal “mom”. Mary was the glue that held the fabric of our family together. She was the “constant” in our home; the one always there.
She carried us through the loss of a brother at a very young age. She saw us all through the scraped knees, the black eyes, the broken bones, and the broken hearts. She was the magic behind all of our holiday dreams and excitement whether we were three or thirty. Mom was the family memory bank and could be counted on to retrieve the most obscure detail on the spot right up to the end.
Her passing leaves a hole in all of our lives that will remain unfilled. She simply cannot be replaced. Harold, Susan, and Steven are no doubt ecstatic right now, and those of us left behind can regale in the memories we have of mom, and look forward to our own future reunions with her.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Cree, Farrah, Kirk, Starr, and the entire staff at Encompass Hospice for their assistance and compassion during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Robyn Wright for her constant friendship and support.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, July 16, at 1 p.m. in the Meadowbrook Ward Chapel on East Chapel Street. The family will receive friends from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Internment will be in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel
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