Mary Lee Kurner

KURNER, Mary Lee Whelan Greaber, Mary Lee Whelan Greaber Kurner, 89 of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on May 10, 2016. Funeral Services will be held on May 26, 2016 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 3201 E. Presidio Rd., Tucson at 10:30 a.m., reception to follow in Room 5. Mary Lee was born on March 15, 1927 in Bisbee, Arizona to Herbert and Christine Whelan. Upon graduation from Bisbee High School in 1945, Mary Lee joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps to continue her education receiving a diploma from St. Mary's School of Nursing, Tucson in 1948. Mary Lee proudly worked in the nursing profession for 29 years in several Arizona hospitals including the Copper Queen in Bisbee and ending her career in 1989 at Posada Del Sol Health Care Center, Tucson. Nursing was her profession being the matriarch was her passion. She devoted her life to her five children. Teaching them to treat each person with whom they came in contact, fairly and compassionately. She was successful. Mary Lee persisted until her lasts days involved with her loved ones strengthening family bonds. Mary Lee also had a dedication to shopping. She was a true "mall rat" before there were malls. She had two longtime friends who enthusiastically indulged her in this activity. Thank you to Joan and Vivian. Mary Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Christine Whelan; husbands, Robert L. Greaber I and Raymond J. Kurner; daughter, Marjorie Clinkingbeard; son, Robert L. Greaber II; grandson, Mark L. Greaber, and great grandson, Maxwell S. Gittleson. Mary Lee is survived by her sister, Laura DeVilbiss, Bisbee; daughters, Christy (Tom) Wells, Yuma; and Mary (Johnny) Jones, Mesa; son, Herbert (Mary Ann Rieck) Greaber, Pima. Also surviving are grandchildren, Thomas (Claire) Wells, Amy (David) Fischer; Amber, Richard and Kristina Jones; and Lisa (Jack) Silsbee; great grandchildren, Payton and Ryan Wells, Ramsey and Quintin Fischer, Benjamin Silsbee and loving nieces and nephew. The family wishes to thank Karen N.P., residents and staff of Courtyard Towers Senior Community and The Villa Inpatient Hospice staff, Mesa. Memorial donations may be given to Americare Hospice, 1212 N. Spencer St. Suite #2, Mesa, Arizona 85203. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.