Obituaries

Mary Emme Richter, was born to Harold and Irene Richter (nee Fischer) on January 11, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Initially diagnosed in December 2020, she lost her battle with terminal stomach cancer on June 12, 2021 and passed away quietly in the presence of family within weeks of undergoing her final treatment.

Mary was fiercely independent and lived life on her own terms. Her career initially took her to Atlanta, Georgia and subsequently Washington State and California, and finally in retirement, Oregon. Mary found success in her business career, initially as an Associate Partner at Andersen Consulting, and subsequently her independent consulting business, doing contract work for major corporations, state government and the military. For both business and leisure, she traveled the globe extensively delighting in the exploration of different cultures as a part of her own personal path of discovery. Dive trips to distant reefs and warm waters were favorite experiences.

Mary was first and foremost devoted to her family, close friends and her animals. A passionate advocate of animal rights and no kill shelters, she was an avid supporter of the Southern Oregon Humane Society(SOHumane). Always surrounded by her rescued puppies, in retirement she enthusiastically pursued her passion for horses, riding in Hunter/Jumper competitions in the Northwest. True to her life’s pursuits, she in death chose to endow lifetime care for her beloved horses, and aid SOHumane in their quest to build a new veterinary clinic.

Mary was a person who gave 100% of herself to every job, passion and pursuit, and expected the same of all those around her. She was a person who loved life and laughter, always ready with a beautiful smile and lyrical laugh. A life cut too short, she gave much more than she ever took. Those who respected, admired and loved her, are broken hearted at her loss. Rest in peace dear sister, aunt, cousin, friend; you are sorely missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Irene Richter, and her brother, Thomas Richter. She is survived by brother Kenneth Richter (Cynda Maxon), niece Addison Richter, niece Victoria Scrivner (John Scrivner), sister-in-law Joan McMurtry, and cousins Sue Hansen, Tim Hansen, Pat Gehrke Baham, Robert Gehrke, Glenn Fischer and Judy Fischer.