Mary Talbot Purcell

Mary Talbot Purcell

Mary Talbot Purcell completed her work in mortality and returned to her Heavenly Father June 11, 2009. Mary was born in Ogden, Utah on May 13th, 1927, to Merlin and Margaret Hunter Talbot. She graduated from Ogden High and married the love of her life, Albert E. Purcell on June 20, 1946 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She and Albert lived in Provo briefly and then moved to Lafayette, Indiana, where Albert received his PhD at Purdue University and where their first child was born. It was at Purdue that, as one of the few LDS couples on campus that Mary and Albert help start a new branch of the LDS church. When Albert was recalled to military service, Mary followed him to California, Maryland and Ohio. After leaving the service, Albert and Mary moved to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where they made their home for the next several years and helped found another branch of the Church. Their second child was born there in 1956. In 1962 they moved again, to Raleigh, North Carolina where they also helped build a small branch of the Church. During their time there, the small branch grew into a stake with Mary serving in both Ward and Stake Relief Society presidencies, while Albert labored as a High Councilor in a far-flung stake. Her many moves and a life in the mission field showed in her acceptance of people of all faiths and nationalities, her diligence in serving others and her remarkable resilience. When Albert retired, they moved back to Utah for the first time in their married life. When Albert suffered a severe stroke, Mary was at his side day and night, caring for him and loving him with a fierce dedication and undying love until his passing in 2004. Mary and Albert''s loving marriage served as a role model for many family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her only sister and all three of her brothers.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane, her son Scott Hunter and his wife, Mary''s beloved and devoted daughter-in-law, Kathleen, five grandchildren, Kevin (Dawnie), Karen (Brian), Joannie (Brady), Tony (Abby) and Ramon.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Layton Utah East Stake Center, 1015 N. Emerald Drive, Layton. Friends and family may call Monday from 10:00 to 10:45 at the church. Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

Funeral directors, Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.