SALEM- Mary Evelyn (Fisher) Primus died in Salem on December 16, 2009 at the age of 87. She was born in Pigeon Cove, PA on Sept. 24, 1922 to Frank and Golda Fisher. Her only brother Joe and her parents preceded her in death. Mary Evelyn starred in both high school and college basketball. She graduated from Juniata College (PA) with a degree in Home Economics. After graduation, she worked in Southern California and Salem as a food inspector for the USDA.

Mary Evelyn met Clarence Joseph Primus at the Crystal Garden Ballroom in Salem, OR. Shortly thereafter, they were married in Independence, OR. (November 16, 1947). Mary Evelyn and Clarence lived on the family farm in West Salem for 54 years. Clarence died in 1991. Both were long time members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. They raised 5 children: Janice Primus-Wickett (Ron) of Turner, Mary Lee Schmidgall (Larry) of Keizer, Laurie Jo Dougherty of Salem, Julie Crook (Larry) of Dallas and son Joe of Salem. Mary had 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She also leaves a large extended family and many beloved friends.

One of Mom’s biggest joys in life was cooking and she made sure that anyone leaving her kitchen never left hungry. She enjoyed shopping, travel and her grandchildren’s activities (especially their love lives). She was a sucker for a good romance and was an avid ice skating fan.

Mon’s last year was spent at the Sweet Bye N Bye in Salem where she brightened everyone’s life with her humor and positive attitude. She loved playing Bingo with her new friends. A special thanks for the loving care provided by the entire staff. Contributions can be made to Boy’s Town or the Union Gospel Mission in care of Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem at 10:00 am on Monday, December 21, 2009. Vault interment will be at Belcrest Memorial Park at 1:00 pm. Condolences to the family may be emailed to v.t.golden@hotmail.com.