Mary Elizabeth Tufts

MARY ELIZABETH TUFTS Mary E. Tufts, 74, died at her Nahcotta residence on September 6, 2011. The daughter of Qufis and Josephine (Norton) McMullen, she was born in Wenatchee, Washington on September 8, 1936. Mary was raised by her maternal grandmother Ada Brown and later adopted by her maternal aunt and uncle Nina and William Eash. She attended grade school in Wenatchee, and graduated from Yakima High School in 1954 where she also attended junior college. Mary obtained her bachelors degree in education from the University of Washington in 1958. Following graduation Mary began her teaching career in Ephrata, Washington. From 1960 until 1963 she taught in Bellevue, Washington before spending a year in Pentwater, Michigan followed by a year in Mobridge, South Dakota. In 1965 she moved to the Peninsula where she taught school in Ocean Beach school district until 1981. In 1982 she and her husband began operation of Moby Dick Academy in Ocean Park which they operated until retirement in 1995. There Mary continued her teaching and guided many families in home-schooling. In 1967 Mary was stricken with multiple sclerosis. With the constant love, support and encouragement of her husband Dennis, friends and the community, Mary battled the illness and never let it keep her from her goals. Her strength, patience and determination was, in itself, an education and inspiration to many. Mary was a vocalist and musician, learning piano and cello in her youth. She was a voracious reader and active member of Ocean Park Community Church for many years. She and Dennis hunted, fished, camped and traveled extensively. They took many young people into their home, including Emilias Kazuma, who returned with them when they visited Koror, Palau, Micronesia with their three children. He attended Ilwaco High School and college. While attending U of W Mary met the love of her life and she and Dennis Tufts were married June 21, 1960. He survives. Also surviving are a daughter Cathern E. Tufts of Siletz, Oregon; son William (Mary) Tufts of Lincoln City, OR; and grandchildren David Kochis and Jerre' Edgerton. She was preceded in death by her son Shawn Tufts. A memorial service is schedule for 1 PM Friday, September 23, 2011 at Ocean Park Community Church with a reception following. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.