Mary Droscher Obituary

Mary Droscher, 65, of Brookings, Ore. passed away April 28, 2016 in Medford, Ore. She was born January 24, 1951 to Walter and Dorothy Bernarde in Eugene. Most of her early and mid-years were spent in Medford.

Mary worked in higher education at both Southern Oregon University and Florida Institute of Technology for a combined 15 years. A soulful person, she was a gifted writer, poet, watercolorist, and mentor to many. She loved her music. As comfortable in bare feet as in high heels, she could work her magic with the elite as well as being a water-baby, dipping her toes into Union Creek. The ethereal domain brought her peace. As a gentle person, love, compassion, doing the right thing, kindness and caring for others were her hallmarks. She could tell a story where no fact got in the way and her laughter could be heard every day.

Mary had her gal pals, shopping, designing and decorating, cribbage, cards, and coffee as respites from day-to-day activities. Calling her husband names during a card game was common. Hand-holding was mandatory.
She graduated from Southern Oregon State College with two degrees: a bachelor of science degree in Communication in 1984 and a master degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1985.

Mary was commissioned to do a watercolor painting that resides in the Taiwanese Consulate Office in Coral Gables, Fla. She wrote and produced a screenplay that was performed locally. Mary was a member of the SOU Alumni Association Board of Directors for nine years. She was recognized for her inspiring leadership and dedicated service to Stevenson Union and to SOU in 2000. From the Academy of Western Artists, Mary received an AMA Award for co-producing the "Cowboy Music Album of the Year." She had numerous poems and stories published. In 2001, Mary wrote Florida Institute of Technology’s Alma Mater song.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 17 years, Ken; son, Travis; daughter, Lisa and son-in-law, Rich; brother, Tommy and sister-in-law Tonya; nephew, Brent; nieces, Kristin and Erika; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother.

A casual celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2016 on the campus of Southern Oregon University, Stevenson Union, Lower Level. All who loved Mary are welcome.