Mary Leola Barrett Hale, age 75, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mary was born in Charleston, South Carolina and was the oldest of four children. Throughout her life she lived in Georgia, South Carolina, Germany, Nevada, Virginia, Utah, and Hawaii, experiencing many places and meeting many people along the way.

Mary lived in Salt Lake City, Utah from 1973 until 2023. Her adolescence and early adulthood were spent living in Hawaii. She developed a deep love for the people, culture, and spirit of the islands. Hawaii always held a special place in her heart.

Music was one of Mary’s greatest passions. She earned a master’s degree in music from Brigham Young University, formerly known as Church College of Hawaii, and carried her love of music with her throughout her life. When she first arrived in Salt Lake City, she sang in the Mormon Youth Choir, sharing her beautiful voice and love of music with others. Mary also performed in many plays, operas, and musical productions in the Salt Lake City area, bringing joy to audiences through her talent and passion for the arts.

Mary also played the piano, ukulele, and a little guitar. She gave music lessons to many over the years and sang in her church choir every Sunday she could, sharing her love of music with her community.

Mary was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than 50 years. She served in many callings over the years, including with the Relief Society, Young Women, and the ward choir. Mary had a deep love for her Father in Heaven and had great faith in His plan for her life.

Mary was also a passionate advocate and activist for the blind and a vital member of the National Federation of the Blind. She spoke before the Utah State Legislature to promote the safety and well-being of individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Mary generously volunteered her time to help others learn to read Braille and encouraged them to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Mary was one of the biggest Utah Jazz fans you could ever meet. She loved attending games whenever she could, and when she couldn’t be there in person, she faithfully listened to legendary announcer “Hot Rod” Hundley call the games on the radio. No matter where she was, Mary would enthusiastically share her excitement and frustrations as she followed every play. She was even invited to perform the National Anthem at two Utah Jazz games, combining her love of music with her enthusiasm for the team she loved.

Mary also had a special love for cats and often playfully joked that she believed she was part cat herself. She delighted her children and grandchildren with her impressive “meow” and purring sounds, which she would happily perform to make them laugh.

Mary was an extraordinary mother and a fiercely independent woman. Despite facing doubt and scrutiny from others about her ability to raise children because she was blind, she proved through her strength, courage, and determination that love and devotion matter far more than limitations. She raised her children to be strong, compassionate, and independent individuals who feel deeply grateful and fortunate to have been raised by such a brave and remarkable woman. Her example taught them resilience, empathy, and the belief that challenges can be overcome with faith and perseverance.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Anna B. Barrett; her father, H. P. Barrett; and her brothers, H. P. “Paul” Barrett III, James Barrett, and Benjamin Barrett.

She is survived by her daughter, Millie (Elmer) Conover of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina; her son, Benjamin “Ben” Hale of Grantsville, Utah; her sister-in-law, Susan (Ben) Barrett; her granddaughters, Mary Conover, Jessica Conover, Ashlee Conover, Clasie Hale (Omar Mendoza), and Corinne Conover (Dave); her grandsons, Eric Conover and Weston; and three great-grandchildren, Ayden Conover, Eliana Mendoza, and Matteo Mendoza.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the love she shared with those around her. Her life was filled with music, faith, service, and devotion to her family. Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. Her song, her laughter, and her loving spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

The family will hold a celebration of Mary's life at a later date. In the mean time, to honor our Mother, sing a song outloud, say a prayer, and tell those close to you that you love them. 

Aloha Oe, until we meet again.

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