Mary Stafford Nehring

Mary Stafford Nehring peacefully passed away in her sleep on March 8, 2025, in her home at Covenant Shores on Mercer Island, Washington. Mary had just turned 95 and enjoyed a birthday celebration with her loving family.

Mary was predeceased by Robert Nehring Sr., her loving husband of 55 years, and her two brothers, Peter and Paul Stafford.

Mary’s childhood was spent with her mother, Dorothy Stafford, and her two brothers in East Orange, New Jersey. She graduated from Concordia Collegiate Institute in Bronxville, New York, where she met her husband Robert. She then graduated from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in New York City with a BS and RN.  Mary and Robert settled in Scarsdale, New York, where they raised their three sons.  She was a member of the Scarsdale Junior Woman’s Club and Neighborhood Bible Study, and also an active member of the Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville.

Mary and Robert moved their permanent residence to their summer property in Chatham Massachusetts, after their sons graduated from high school. Mary loved her beautiful home on Cape Cod and enjoyed many hours in her garden and on the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod. She enjoyed working with her friends at The Tale of the Cod gift shop, where she welcomed many visitors to the town. She continued to actively follow her faith at the Cape Cod Bible Alliance Church. While living in Chatham she enjoyed long visits from her many grandchildren as she taught them how to garden and to make jam, and guided them through many projects. She also enjoyed spending time with them on the beach and swimming in fresh water at School House Pond. The grandchildren also loved the rousing card games she played with them in her Queen of Hearts play room.

After many years, Mary and Robert moved to Covenant Village in Cromwell, Connecticut, where Mary was active in gardening and the Welcome Club and enjoyed swimming. After Robert passed away, Mary moved to Covenant Shores on Mercer Island, Washington. Here she enjoyed the fellowship of many new friends in her community. Mary became an enthusiastic member of the line dancers, and was active in the Befrienders group and in reading the Bible to the residents.

Mary enjoyed home making, sewing, gardening, Bible study, and time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary’s faith was central to her life. In her own words, “As a young girl, I was aware of God. My mother saw to it that my brothers and I attended Sunday School and church.  While attending a Lutheran Junior College I became a believing Christian – I knew I was a sinner, separated from the Holy God and that Jesus’ sacrificial death was the only way for me to relate to God. It wasn’t until years later that I was to yield my life to Jesus and know Him as Lord. Bible study became an important and rewarding part of my life. I can’t imagine life without God – knowing Jesus as personal Lord and Savior and growing in Him in faith and serving and worshipping the true and Living God. To Him be the glory!”

Mary is survived by her loving sons and their wives, Robert Jr. and Mary Jane; Peter and Elizabeth; and James and Laurie. Mary was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her Grammy.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Covenant Shores who provided loving care to her when she needed it most.

In lieu of flowers, please send your kind donations to Covenant Living at the Shores, with a memo “Benevolence Fund”. Mail: Covenant Living at the Shores, 9150 Fortuna Drive, Mercer Island WA 98040. Website: covlivingshores.org

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held by the family at Covenant Shores Fellowship Hall on March 28, 2025 at 10:00.