Mary M. Espersen passed away peacefully on January 19, 2023, surrounded by her family. Mary fought a battle with cancer for the past year. She was a warrior until the end.
Mary was born in Seattle on December 21, 1939, to Gunnar and Patricia Ostlund, and moved to Sunnyside in 1969 with her husband Gordon, where they raised their 4 children.
Mary was always so kind and giving. She worked hard her whole life. She worked for Sunnyside School District for 28 years as a Teacher Assistant and Custodian.
She enjoyed working in her yard, playing board games, going on cruises with her best friend Shirley Martin, and spending as much time as she could with her family.
Mary is survived by her 4 children Steve Smythe (Maria), Jan Iverson, Glen Espersen (Lisa), and Cheryl Espersen, and sister Helen Smith (Arnold), 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Gunnar Ostlund and Patricia Beatty, husband Gordon, and her brother Louis Beatty.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or cards, donations can be made to a scholarship in her name at Sunnyside High School: SHS Alumni Association PO Box 1149 Sunnyside 98944. Att: Mary Espersen Scholarship.
Those wishing to sign Mary’s memorial book may do so at www.valleyhillsfh.com
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