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In memory of

Mary Virginia Fain Harding

Plano, TX, USA

November 11, 1936 - February 6, 2021

Nov 11, 1936 - Feb 6, 2021

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Mary Virginia Harding of Plano, Texas, died peacefully on February 6, 2021 at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Dallas.

Born November 11, 1936 in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Mary was the daughter of Virginia (Hunt) and Dr. Samuel Clark Fain. Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Art, and their children Carol Stankus, and Robert Harding. Mary was a beloved grandmother to three grandchildren; Lee Harding (30), Justin Howell (29) and 12 year old Madison Stankus.

Mary is survived by her brother, George. Brothers Sam, and John proceeded Mary in death. Mary was a beloved Aunt to all her nieces and nephews; Margaret, Jack, Jim, Ellen, Kathy, Daniel, and Annika Fain. She was loving and supportive with Dan and Annika through their mother’s premature passing.

Mary loved to travel. She had a talent for directions and knew all the best routes. Before starting her family, Mary was a Stewardess for American Airlines. For a time she lived in North New Jersey, Cleveland, and Nashville. On New Year's Eve, 1959-60 Mary met Art at a party in Nashville. They married within months.

When the kids were in elementary school, Mary worked at the Meadows Elementary School cafeteria. For ten years, she worked at the local Tom Thumb deli with her best friend, Joyce Hecks. She liked people and people liked her.

Mary loved to read, paint, and do puzzles. She loved music and we had some great records in the house because of her passion; Janis Joplin, The Carter Family, Willie, and George Jones, among many others. She loved and had a big crush on Kris Kristofferson….

(Art): “Mary made vacations fun for all of us, especially when we would go to her home turf in Jefferson City, Tennessee. There were lakes, caves, bears and lots of places to explore. She knew where all the sights-to-see were and her dad, Dr. Fain, was an encyclopedia on living in the foothills of the Smokies. Everywhere we went people would wave and give us a “Hello Mary!”

(Carol): “Mom never complained about anything, never felt sorry for herself and never looked down on anyone. She was beautiful inside and out. She had the best birthday parties for us as kids and made every holiday, especially Christmas, special for us. She loved to meet new people and had a gift for getting to really know that person. She loved her grandkids and enjoyed taking them places and really helped us raise them. Mom loved animals and was kind to them all. Throughout her life she had a dog by her side until her last dog, Titto, died.”

(Bobby): “We grew up in the sixties and seventies, and Mary steered our young hearts clear of prejudice. I remember being aware of the civil rights movement. Mom once collected all the cool GI Joe weapons I was playing with because they glorified warfare. Spaceman GI Joe was okay. Deep Sea Diver GI Joe was fine. My mom was a beautiful person. She is with us always.”

Late in life, Mary lost her sight and lost so many of the activities associated, particularly reading. A program from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission provided free spoken word recordings. For this reason we are asking for any charitable donations in Mary’s memory to be mailed to:

TALKING BOOK PROGRAM
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION
PO BOX 12516
AUSTIN, TX 78711-2516

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