Mary Lee Harding

Mary Lee Harding (nee Norton), of O Fallon, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the age of 82.  Loving daughter of the late John and Margaret Norton; devoted mother of Richard (Diana) Moore and Susan (Tim) Caton; cherished grandmother Erica (Kenny) Mylenbusch, Brad (Karine) Dillinger, Mark (Kelly) Moore, Kyle (Rachel) Moore, Alex Caton, Lindsay Caton, and Jack Caton; treasured great-grandmother of Ava, Chase, Conner, Avery, Alec, Colin, Reagan, Ryan, Lucas, Nolan, and the late Sydney Mylenbusch; dearest sister of the late George D. Norton; dear sister-in-law of Ruth Norton; and beloved aunt of Glenn (Colleen) Norton, John (Lisa) Norton, and Bob (Jana) Norton.

Known as Mary Lee to her family, she was born in Kirksville, Missouri and grew up on her parents farm in Anabel, Missouri along with her twin brother George.  Mary’s education started in a one-room classroom.  After graduating from Macon High School in 1956, she attended college and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1963.  After teaching for a few years, she continued her education, earning a master’s degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis.  She taught second grade and reading in Fort Zumwalt School District.  When she retired in 1996, she had taught for a total of 34 years.  She continued teaching reading in her retirement to her grandchildren and many others.

Mary was an accomplished pianist who loved to sing as well.  Her love of music started when she began playing the piano at a young age.  She added the trombone and then vocals, and earned a top-rating at a state-wide music contest when she was in high school.  She played at various school and church programs and enjoyed playing and singing at home to entertain friends and family.  She and her dear friend Winnie spent many hours over the years playing music together.

Mary also enjoyed traveling.  During her lifetime, she traveled to many different parts of the world.  In recent years, she bought a home in Florida, where she looked forward to spending winters there with her Florida friends.  She greatly missed Deanna and all of the Florida crew after she returned to St. Louis.

Mary will be remembered for her kind and loving nature, and how easy she was to get along with.  She will always be known for her passion for music and her love of teaching.  Even when her Alzheimer’s was progressing, she was still playing the piano.  She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary's name to Alzheimer's Association.

Baue Funeral Homes is currently following CDC recommendations regarding mask and social distancing policies.