Mary Rose Busby

Mary Rose Busby, a resident of Belle Meade, died Sunday, October 10, 2010. Born in Rochester, New York and then a resident of Newton, MA, the eldest daughter of G. Arthur McWilliams and Mary Rose Reddy. Mary Rose was a graduate of Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. She earned her B.A. at Radcliffe College and her M.A. at the University of Pennsylvania, becoming Director of Admissions at Cedar Crest College in 1950. A position she held until she resigned following her marriage in 1969 to Jack K. Busby, President of Pennsylvania Power and Light Company headquartered in Allentown, PA. For her beloved sisters and family, the late Nancy McWilliams, MD of Castine, ME; and Clare Lyne of Wellesley, MA; and her nieces and nephews Molly Hawkridge, Emmett, Timothy and Kerry Lyne and her step-children Leonard Busby and Louise Ulrich, Mary Rose was a cherished friend and a cheerful companion, an ever present source of TLC. Apart from her responsibilities at Cedar Crest and her work with professional associations in the field of education in guidance, admissions and college entrance, Mary Rose served as a Director of the First National Bank of Allentown and contributed countless hours of personal time to many community betterment organizations in the Lehigh Valley. At the start-up of the Lehigh Valley‘s public television station, Mary Rose was chairman of the station‘s first public auction, establishing an effective format for annual funding based on broad public participation and support. She also served as President of the Allentown Community Concerts Association, a Trustee of the College of St. Francis de Sales, Vice-President of the Great Valley Council of the Girl Scouts and as a member of the governing Boards of YM/YWCA, Family and Children‘s Services, the Lehigh County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the Negro Cultural Center, the Phoebe Home and as an active member of the Council of Social Service of the Diocese of Allentown. For many years Mary Rose served in a variety of positions in fund raising for the United Way of Lehigh County. In 1978 as the first woman ever to head the annual drive, she led the campaign to an all-time fund raising record. Mary Rose was honored by the award of the Distinguished Service Award of the Allentown-Lehigh County Chamber of Commerce and the WELD Bowl, an award given annually for the woman who has contributed outstanding meritorious service to the community. In 1979, the Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (now De Sales University) awarded Mary Rose the De Sales Medal, its highest non-academic award. The certification did point out that “The only real weakness she has revealed during her years among us is her inability to say no to any worthy cause.” In 1979 Mary Rose and her husband relocated from Pennsylvania, establishing their new residence and home in Pinehurst. Never one to be inactive, Mary Rose undertook to meet the requirements for licensing as a real estate broker and became associated with Hill Realty and then its successor Caldwell Banker, quietly providing some twenty years of effective service for her many clients. Following her retirement from real estate, Mary Rose served for a period as an elected member of the Parish Council of Sacred Heart Church. At all times Mary Rose‘s lifestyle was quiet analysis, a positive outlook, persuasiveness and courtesy, an unfailing pleasant disposition and commitment to a job well done. Never self-centered or ego driven. In reciting Mary Rose‘s many accomplishments, there is the risk that the real Mary Rose, the warm, loving, intelligent and wise human being, is obscured. Mary Rose‘s conscientious job performance and energetic participation in community service were notable but they were not the principal focus of her life. Her first priority was an unwavering commitment of love and care for her husband, family and friends. For all who knew Mary Rose, talking with her was interesting and enjoyable. Being with her brightened your day. In times of difficulty she was a wellspring of understanding and support. But not a Pollyanna and not one who was super-organized in dealing with the minor details of living. Over the years friends and family had a good many opportunities to join in searches for the glasses that were “lost”, papers that had mysteriously “disappeared”. Relaxed and dismissive of the shortcomings of others, never undertaking to tell others what to do or how to behave; Mary Rose took life as it came with good humor and unshakable calm and faith, always on the lookout for ways to help and to make life better for others. In the latter part of 2006, Jack and Mary Rose relocated to Belle Meade, the retirement community which is part of St. Joseph of the Pines Health System in Southern Pines. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, October 17, 2010 at Belle Meade Chapel in Southern Pines, NC. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to Moore Free Care Clinic, 211 Trimble Plant Rd., Suite C, Southern Pines, NC 28387. Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines is assisting the family.