We were blessed to have Mary spend 82 years among us on this earth, where she loved life, family and friends. Mary passed away as the result of a fall two days earlier, succumbing to the injury at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on April 16, 2022. She was surrounded by many of her family. Though we feel deep sadness, we rejoice that she is home with her Savior and Lord.
She was born December 17, 1939 to Samuel and Rachel (Jackson) McVeigh in El Paso, TX. Her family lived in Texas, Wisconsin, and Arkansas before moving to Langley, WA on Whidbey Island. Mary attended Langley High School in the 1950’s and married Samuel Quigley in 1956. They had four children, Steven (Kim Heath); Alan; Brian (MaryGay Nelson); and Audrey (Don Grafstrom). The family moved to Forks, WA in 1966 where Mary raised her family, worked at the local Sears store, and was one of the Forks Church of the Nazarene founding members. The early 70’s were years of change. Mary married Don Dilley in 1973 and became a stepmother to Dave Dilley and Dawn Dilley Drovdahl. She worked at the Forks Elementary School. Later she and Don opened and ran the NAPA Auto Parts Store from 1976 to 1993. Retirement from the store found her working for the Forks Forum, then holding down a desk for the Washington State Department of Corrections at Clallam Bay.
Throughout her 82 years Mary’s compassionate, helpful personality and attitude kept her busy with many others. She was a special light for many people and loved to help others. She taught Sunday School, served as a “Den Mother” for Boy Scouts, promoted missions at home and beyond, actively participated in the community with Feeding 5,000, the Potato Hut during the 4th of July, school fundraisers, the list goes on to include her extended family and friends. Mary was as special a person as you would ever hope to meet with a sense of humor that included a healthy amount of wit and sarcasm. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives have been touched by such a special person.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Willda Grimm and Anita McVeigh; brothers, James and Robert McVeigh. She is survived by all of her children, 10 grandchildren: Ryan, Jason, Erin, Ginelle, Matthew, Hannah, Tom, Carrie, Steven and Erik. 12 great grandchildren; sisters Sara Little (Wray) of Langley, WA, Grace Corbit of Surprise, AZ and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on June 4, 2022 at the Forks Church of the Nazarene with a reception following at the Rain Forest Arts Center. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Young Life at PO Box 642, Port Angeles, WA 98362 or younglife.org.
