Mary Snider Walters, age 85, of Gloucester, Virginia, died on December 23, 2020, of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Mary was born and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Leaving home at 17, she was the first married woman accepted into Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin, graduating with a degree in American History with honors.

Accompanying her husband, an engineer and paper company executive, she resided in many places, including Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, West Virginia and Massachusetts before settling in Gloucester, Virginia, in 1991. Mary raised three children and was highly active in civic activities, leading scout programs, a library expansion and women's organizations. Locally, Mary belonged to the P.E.O., the Gloucester Woman's Club, the Gloucester Ruritan Club, the Ware River Circle of the King's Daughters and Sons, the Friends of Dragon Run and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Additionally, Mary was an adventurous traveler and distinguished birdwatcher, observing over 2,500 species. Over two decades, she and her husband built a 50-foot sailboat. They subsequently lived aboard the boat for several years, sailing throughout the Caribbean and Scandinavia.

Mary is survived by her husband of 67 years, Wally Walters, sons Wally and William, daughter Jordan and granddaughter Victoria. The Reverend Sven vanBaars, rector of the Abingdon Episcopal Church, will lead a virtual celebration of Mary's life on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 2 PM EST. To view live-streaming of the service via YouTube, visit http://www.abingdonchurch.org/default.asp .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Dragon Run, Inc., at P.O. Box 882, Gloucester Virginia, 23061 or www.Dragonrun.org .