O’Gara, Mary
Mary Louise Reese O’Gara Robertson, age 78, passed away in Albuquerque,
NM on Saturday,
May 27, 2017 at home in hospice care where she was visited by many friends and family.
She was born in Red Oak, IA to Charles Arthur and Alice (Hayes) Reese. She grew up in Red Oak, IA and graduated from Red Oak High School Class of ‘56. Mary attended Grinnell College and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she received her degree in Journalism in 1966. In later years Mary earned her PhD as a doctor of divinity and recently became a member-minister of the Eternal Life Church in Santa Fe, NM. Mary was a copy editor for the Lincoln Journal and a reporter for the Ogden Standard-Examiner. She then became a freelance writer for Family Circle, Lady’s Circle, Futures Magazine and others. Her work expanded onto the internet with personal coaching and teaching online writing classes. In her work as a Life Coach Mary never sought to dictate every decision of her clients, but instead guided them to think for themselves and build their confidence in dealing with life’s challenges. She applied her exceptional intellect and special abilities always with kindness and love as an activist, poet, teacher, Reiki master, healer and friend. Mary had a special warm relationship with Native Americans she came to know. With the Navajo in Sanostee she especially enjoyed the younger children whom she had fun with and treated kindly. In Albuquerque her Zuni neighbors became like family members over the years and they provided loving care for Mary in her final days.
She is survived by her husband, George R. Robertson II, his three children and two grandchildren and her cousin Doug’s wife, Sharon and son, Gerald, of Emporia, MO and their daughter, Clare of Austin, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, her Aunts Mary Morrisey, Charlotte Barr and Virginia Thomson, her Uncle, Douglas Hayes and her cousin Douglas Morrisey.
There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 5:00 7:00 PM held at Reflection of Life® Chapel located at 2400 Washington NE. Cremation has already taken place; interment is to occur at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Mary’s name go to the charity of your choice. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit www.SalazarFunerals.com