A gentle and warm spirit, Marion “Mary” C. Radosevich, age 56, entered into rest on March 7, 2014 while surrounded by loved ones at her home in Prosser. Mary was born on May 5, 1957 in Stockton, California to Thomas and Peggy (Phillips) Cooper. She was raised and educated in the Yakima Valley and in Tieton, graduating from Highland High School with the class of 1975. On June 14, 1975 she married Joseph Radosevich at the Ahtanum Mission in Yakima and the couple made their home in the Tieton area until settling in Prosser in 1982.
Mary once quoted Erma Bombeck to her daughter, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.” For those who knew her, we believe she did just that. Through the manner in which she treated others, she exemplified humility, respect and integrity. Always looking for a positive spin, her sense of humor remained intact until the very end, as did her unwavering faith.
Much of her life was devoted to children. She ran a daycare business in Yakima and Prosser until 1991, teaching many young ones how to make homemade piñatas and cook perfect peanut butter cookies. She then became a para-educator with the Prosser School District and was a special services monitor on the school buses. It brought her great joy to help the little ones reach their potential and build confidence. Often Mary referred to her “KRV family” with deep affection and was inspired by those she worked with. That chilly day in December when dozens of Keene-Riverview staff came singing Christmas carols at her home warmed her heart.
Mary was deeply loved by her family. She is survived by her best friend, high school sweetheart and husband of almost 40 years - Joseph Radosevich of Prosser; her daughter, Michelle (and Ben) Rush of Helena, Montana; her sons, Ben Radosevich and Josh Radosevich (and Jessica) of Prosser; her mother, Peggy Cooper of Oklahoma; her brother, Michael Cooper of Missouri; her sister, Jackie Pratt of Benton City; and her grandchildren, Bree, Ashley, Matt, Megan, Molly and Carly. Her in-laws Wanda Mitchell, Annie Radosevich, Babi Herndon, Carol Brucick, Polly Parsons and Steve Radosevich were some of her very best friends; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews are among those who will miss her greatly.
As Mary celebrated her birth into Heaven, she was greeted by her recently departed father, Thomas Cooper. Her brother, Jim Cooper and in-law Harry Mitchell were waiting for her to join in a game of poker. Grandma Nina Clemans already had the delectable food banquet prepared and Frank Radosevich waited patiently to chuckle over shared stories. Many loved ones who had gone before her joyfully cheered at this reunion. Mary looked forward to seeing everyone but most of all, she looked forward to taking care of her darling great-grandson, Baby Owen.
Mary will be missed beyond what words can express. Through those who knew her, her legacy of love lives on. Always and everywhere.
Services for Mary will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1905 Highland, Prosser, Washington with a luncheon reception immediately following.
