Mary Shipman

Mary Kathleen Lynch Shipman- wife of Scott Shipman, daughter of John J. Lynch Jr. and Phyllis Francies Lynch Whitmore, passed away quietly at the Central Washington Hospital on Monday, November 27, 2023 following a brief illness. She was 71 years old. Mary was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 1, 1951. Mary lived the majority of her life in Wenatchee Washington, but also spent time as a toddler in Okinawa, Japan. As a young adult Mary worked as a childcare provider in Tacoma, Washington before returning to Wenatchee for several years. After the death of her mother, Mary moved to Tumwater, Washington. Mary married Scott Shipman on April 2, 1996 in Olympia. Mary and Scott returned to Wenatchee in 2005 and she remained in the valley until her death. Always drawn to work involving the care of children, Mary had a special gift with children under the age of 3. She worked in the childcare field until her struggles with arthritis limited her ability to lift the children in her care. Mary spent a few years working as a sample server at Costco before she retired from the workforce. Mary was a cheerful, sweet person with a strong will and an occasional stubborn streak. She loved rock and roll music, particularly The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Mary was also a fan of Celtic music and dance, in part because it tied into her Irish heritage. Mary was always happy to go to a concert or a festival. Mary’s other passion was genealogy. She became a member of the Wenatchee Heritage Society and was the proud great granddaughter of Wenatchee Pioneer Michael Horan. Throughout her life Mary collected information on her family and traced her roots back many generations. Every family visit with Mary included an update on the latest discovery she had made of a famous (or infamous) ancestor. Mary will be remembered for love of music and family. She loved cats and Chinese food. Mary had a sweet nature and a memorable laugh, but she was not afraid to let you know she was mad. She made a big impression on her family. Mary is survived by her sisters, Sue Whitmore Villa of Spanaway, WA, Laura Whitmore Ruane of Madison, Alabama; her nephews Patrick Lowers, Cliff and Craig Batson, nieces Lauren Ruane Ross and Hallie Ruane Thuenen, and many grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John J. Lynch Jr, Phyllis Francies Lynch Whitmore, and sister P. “Sally” Lynch Lowers. A private ceremony will be held for family at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee and Cashmere.

Mary Shipman

December 3, 1951 - November 27, 2023