Mary J. Shipway

Mary J. Shipway, 102, passed away Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Valley View Village in Des Moines.

Mary was born May 3, 1913 in Des Moines, Iowa to Adolf and Hattie (Hanson) Johnson. She earned a secretarial degree from Capital City Commercial College in 1932. Jobs during this time were quite scarce, but she secured employment with Standard Oil for three years. In 1936, she got a job with Northwestern Bell in the Stenographic Department. She transferred after six months to the Treasury Department, where she stayed until her retirement in 1972, with the title of Area Treasury Supervisor.

Mary married Vern Shipway September 30, 1942. Vern’s Air Force service during WWII separated them until October 1945. They built a happy life together and moved to Valley View Village in January 1984. She loved living at Valley View, just as her mother had, and often told friends she “had it made!” Mary was a longtime member of Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, formerly known as First Lutheran Church.

Vern passed away after being diagnosed with lung cancer one year shy of their 50th anniversary. They had a wonderful life together, traveling to Europe and all the states, with the exception of Alaska. They shared beautiful memories.

Mary is survived by many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Harold Johnson. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Vern at Masonic Cemetery. There will be a celebration of Mary’s life Tuesday, December 8 at Valley View Village beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Valley View Village Employee Assistance Fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamilonsFuneralHome.com.

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