"I was greatly saddened to learn of Mary's unexpected death. We had played bridge together at the Shea club the previous Saturday in the "open" room where all the "pros" play because she was one of them and had hundreds of master points. Mary was an old and dear friend to me at the Troon club. Years ago she had organized a weekly duplicate bridge game at our club. One evening I was paired with Mary in a team game. She advised me that in team scoring it was important to bid game whenever possible. Heeding that advice I bid her into many marginal games and a few impossible ones. She played them all with her usual skill, but when the game was over, which we won by the way, she commented wryly, "Well, you are coachable." A few years later she undertook the task of mentoring me, and we became one of the strong partnerships, thanks to her, at the Club. She also introduced me to tournament bridge with some success. In short, she was instrumental in changing the focus of my life in my retirement years. I will miss her. Though often in pain, she was always fun to be with. I'll say it again: I do and will miss her."
In loving memory of
Mary A. Fisher
Dec. 14, 1938 - Dec. 22, 2018
Mary Ann Fisher passed away on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in her sleep at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was 80.
Born Dec. 14, 1938 in Washington, DC, Mary was the daughter of James and Lula Cuddy. Her father referred to her as the apple of his eye. With the spirit of adventure, Mary's teenage years and early adulthood were spent in Miami. She swam in the surf, horseback barrel raced, drag raced, and even became a pilot of small aircraft.
In 1960, Mary moved to Minot, ND, where she raised three children from her first marriage. She encouraged her children to appreciate and become engaged in literature, art, music, sports, and social activities. Throughout her life, she was a keen reader well versed in Latin, painted in a variety of media, and played classical piano. She enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, and golf, the latter of which became a passion.
In 1976, Mary graduated from Minot State College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Afterward, she established a diabetes education and treatment program. In 1989, Mary received a Masters Degree in Nursing in through the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, upon completing her thesis.
On Aug. 1, 1985, Mary wed James Fisher, who she described as the light of her life. The couple enjoyed sailing, hiking, golf, and travel abroad. They wintered in Arizona and eventually moved to Scottsdale permanently, spending summers in Detroit Lakes, MN.
As a member of the Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Mary loved to golf there regularly. She took part in a local music group that held piano recitals and traveled to Vermont annually to participate in piano camp. Mary also volunteered as a docent to guide tours through the Music Instrument Museum in Phoenix, which exhibits exotic instruments from around the globe, which were played during periods spanning centuries. An avid strategist, Mary was recognized by the American Contract Bridge League for her achievement as a Life Master in bridge competitions.
Mary's journey was vibrant and festive. She thoroughly enjoyed socializing with friends and family. She realized her dream - to live her life as a celebration.
She is survived by her three children, Mary Ann Probst - Nashville, John Joseph Probst and his wife Angela - Minneapolis, and Paul Probst and his wife Carolyn - Minot; step-children Brock Fisher and his wife Erin - San Diego, Jordan Fisher - Nashville, and Kyle Fisher and his wife Janet - Kenwood, CA; six grandchildren, Jessica, Ethin, Beau, Shannon, Hope, and Elsie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jim Fisher.
Services: It was Mary's wish that no memorial or funeral be held.
Memorials are preferred to the North Dakota Chapter of the American Diabetes Association (NDADA), 1323-23rd St. S., Fargo, ND 58103; St Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142, donors@stjude.org; or to the choice of the donor.
Tributes
"To Mary?s family: Mary took art class in my oul painting class at Troon CC and we emjoyed several evenings of art openings in downtown Scottsfale over the last few years. I actually bought one of her floral painting at our annual art show 3 years ago. I would be happy to mail it to your family as something to treasure. Her fellow art class members remember her as a woman of many talents. Bonnie Hall"
"Please accept my condolences. My deepest sympathy to Mary Ann, Joe and Paul Probst and their families. In 1972, when I was 16 years old, I stayed in her house for six months as a foreign exchange student. I remember Mary Probst kind, friendly and hardworking lady. In 1989, I met Mary Fisher and I can say that she was the same lovely lady. I still keep a leather wallet she gave to me. It is sad to know that someone who is important to me, passed away ĦQue Dios la tenga en su Reino! Julio Cortes from Chile"
"I met Mary through our Piano Group in Scottsdale. Shortly after meeting her, we both, unknowingly, signed up for the same dog training class. She had Pooh Bear in tow; I had a Giant Schnauzer. We had a blast training together. From there, we went to piano camp in Vermont, which was a passion for the both of us. It was an annual event for numerous years...too many to count! I made a move from Scottsdale to a ranch in Kansas, and Mary would always stop for a visit on her way to Minnesota or her return to Scottsdale. Of course, we continued to have our annual treks to piano camp. Mary was a dear friend. I loved her spirit and her humor, which was often irreverent!! Oh, the laughs we shared!! She had such a passion for life. The day after I learned of Mary's passing, I heard a piano performance of Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique on Sirius. Mary and I performed this at piano camp one year. She played the first movement and I did the second and third movement. I think it was Mary's way of saying hello to me and that the music continues on. I was indeed fortunate to have her as a friend. My deepest sympathy to her family, of which she spoke of often and with love. Katie Hoffner"
"Mary was a lovely and lively addition to our Grand Canyon hike and Colorado River rafting trip. Having twisted their knee on the hike down, most adventurers would have called it a day, but not Mary. She soldiered on step by painful step aided by her son Joe, picking their way carefully down the steep rocky path. They arrived at Phantom Ranch well after dark, but both arrived. Cheers to Mary and her "fighting spirit" that so wanted to finish. May her blessings in heaven be great and filled with glorious music as she so loved, as well as new spiritual challenges and adventures."