Mary Blackburn

KERRVILLE-Born into a military family in Norfolk, Virginia to John and Kaye Blackburn, Mary was the eldest of four children and took the responsibilities that came with being the eldest to heart. She closely watched over her brothers and sister knowing that if one of them got in trouble, she was responsible. Throughout her life and her travels, Mary met people who became her "ohana" (family in Hawaiian), people she opened her heart to, welcomed without question or judgment, and loved deeply.

Mary never believed the length of the dash between the beginning and end of her life defined her. She strongly believed it was the good you did for others and how you treated people in the time you had that was the measure of a successful life. If that is the case, then Mary's life was a great success.

In honor of Mary's generous and loving heart, please make a donation to a women's shelter or a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place. At her request, Mary's family and friends will say a final "Aloha" to her and scatter her ashes in the waters off Kailua Beach, Hawaii, on Saturday December 19, 2015, at 3:30pm

---