Mary Hope Price

Price, Mary Hope (Walker) of Edina passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 29, 2023. Mary was born May 30, 1932, in Jacksonville, Florida to Fred McKinley Walker and Hope (Leeper) Walker. She was welcomed home by her two brothers, Fred McKinley Walker Jr. and Garth Walker. The majority of her early years were spent in the South, with frequent visits to family and friends in Ohio, where both of her parents had deep roots. She remained close to her brothers, their families and her own extended family her whole life. Mary graduated from Russell High School in Fulton County, Georgia in 1949 and went on to attend Duke University. At Duke, she met her future husband, Robert McCollum Price Jr., and they were married on August 21, 1952, at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. Thus began a remarkable 68-year marriage marked by love, lifelong friends, and family adventures. Mary and Bob raised three daughters and instilled in them a love for travel, starting with a trip around the world and residence in Luzern, Switzerland in the early 60's. Mary subsequently traveled millions of miles around the world, but was equally at home in her favorite London hotel, her beloved casita in Santa Fe, or on her farm in rural southern Minnesota. Wherever she was, her family always came first, and she loved to gather them close, set the perfect table, and share family stories and traditions. Mary appreciated the beauty around her and was an avid supporter of the arts in many forms - from opera to the fine arts to dance to design. She loved going to the theater in London and New York and was a generous supporter of the Minnesota Opera, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Santa Fe Opera, and the New York City Ballet. But she also never missed her daughters' dance performances, skating shows, orchestra concerts or piano recitals, and when they had daughters of their own, she supported those artistic endeavors as well. She also loved the gardens of the world and in particular, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, North Carolina where she served on their board of advisors for over 20 years. For 50-plus years, Mary owned Paddlewheel Newfoundlands - raising, training, and exhibiting purebred Newfoundland dogs. She was known to be a conscientious and knowledgeable owner and judge, always at the forefront of improving the breed. She served the Newfoundland Club of America as a board member, membership chair, and 30-year delegate to the American Kennel Club. She also served on the Partners Advisory Board for the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine. Her dogs earned 100's of titles and awards at prestigious events around the globe, but she liked nothing more than going out to the backyard to hug and care for her big, furry canine friends. The perfectly wrapped and thoughtful gift was her hallmark, and she lived her life with grace, generosity, and charm. Though small in stature, she was larger than life, and will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she has touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and husband, Bob. She is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth Delice Price-Meland (Greg), Mary Leeper Hubbard, and Carrie McCollum Walkiewicz; two granddaughters: Carrie Elizabeth Eyler (Brian) and Jennifer Anne Dill (Jonathan); five great-grandchildren: Alexa Anne Dill, Thomas Brian Eyler, John Robert Eyler, Emmeline Elizabeth Dill, and Mary Elizabeth Eyler, plus seven nieces and nephews and beloved cousins. Her family is especially grateful for the loving care provided by her personal assistant and friend, Kelly Spencer, her dear friend and helpmate, Margaret Terrio, and the wonderful team of caregivers from Comfort Keepers. A service in her memory will be held at 2:00 pm, with a visitation preceding the service starting at 1:00 pm, on January 13, 2024, at the Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home in Edina. Interment will be at the Memorial Garden at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, North Carolina. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kennel Club's Canine Health Foundation, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, or a charity of choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

Tributes

Mary Hope Price

May 30, 1932 - November 29, 2023

Tributes

Mary Hope Price

May 30, 1932 - November 29, 2023

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