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Mary Whitford
MARY MARGARET WHITFORD
Cedar Rapids
Mary Margaret Whitford, of Gilbert, Ariz., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at the age of 52.
She was born April 23, 1964, in Riceville, Iowa, to Bill and Luella (McInroy) Marr and lived in Cedar Rapids. During her high school years, Mary was a cheerleader at Kennedy and Washington high schools in Cedar Rapids. Following high school, Mary earned her associate's degree in computer programming at Kirkwood Community College and started her first career with Alliant Energy, after graduation. During her life, Mary worked as a computer programmer and a project manager for companies such as Coventry, Banner Healthcare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Dial and Electronic Data Systems (EDS) as well as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker.
Mary participated in many beauty pageants and in 2001 was awarded the title "Mrs. Arizona." On July 8, 1989, she was married to Scott Whitford at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Together they raised three beautiful children, Candice, Brandy and Blake, in Arizona. Thankfully, they were able to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary together in 2014 before he passed of a brain tumor.
She was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed shopping, helping people and anything that sparkled. Mary was the life of the party and always tried to find the positive in things because you have to laugh with life! She was a strong, smart woman who achieved many goals and taught us all to love and care for one another. Mary was a real gem and left a little sparkle everywhere she went. Scott and Mary also had a love of animals and will be taking care of the family farm in Heaven.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Luella Marr; her beloved husband, Scott; and her brother, Gordon Marr.
She is survived by children, Candice (age 23), Brandy (age 19) and Blake (age 14); five furbabies; her sisters, Cindy Dale and Lisa (Rick) Andersen; her sisters-in-law, Patty Marr and Colleen (Dave) Wirth; her brothers-in-law, Steve and Dave (Tracy) Whitford; nine nieces and five nephews; her friends, Laura Pasternak, Marsha Fairchild, Teresa Swaine, Tammy Grell and Kim and Scott Olson.
A visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, with a funeral immediately following at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206.
Prayers are appreciated for the family. God Bless.
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