December 30, 1920 - May 6, 2015 Mary Elizabeth Pusich passed away peacefully in the Douglas home she loved on May 6th, 2015 surrounded by family. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She was born on December 30, 1920 to George and Anna Margaret (Gretchen) Carr in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mary and her three brothers were raised in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Montana as her father worked for the railroad. Miles City, Montana was where Mary attended high school and her parents last settled.One of her first jobs, she fondly recalled, was working as a receptionist for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Her love of travel and adventure brought her and a girlfriend to Seattle for work during the war where she met a young sailor, Rudy Pusich. They were married in White Fish Bay, Wisconsin on May 1, 1948. She then moved to Douglas, Alaska to begin life in her forever home.After arriving in Douglas she began working for the Bureau of Mines on Mayflower Island. Eventually Mary decided to stay at home and raise their eight children while also assisting in running the family business 'Mike's Place' which she and Rudy owned until selling in 2003. She worked out of her home doing the books for Mike's Place and also helped her brother-in-law with his books for Channel Flying for several years. Mary was strong in her Catholic faith and generously gave her time to her family, friends and community. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for nearly 70 years, holding dear those friendships all her life. Mary was a member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Catholic Daughters of America and the Douglas Alter Society. She was honored as Grand Marshall for Douglas in July 1978. Mary served as a delegate at the Democratic State Convention in 1987 and was selected by Senator Ted Stevens to participate in the U.S. Senate Senior Intern Program in Washington DC. Many local residents will also remember the number of years she served as Chairperson at the Douglas voting station for State and municipal elections. Catholic Community Services honored her in 1995 for over 20 years as site manager of the Douglas Senior Center.Mary was raised in a musical family, loved dancing and socializing with family and friends. She loved to travel and many vacations included her and the children visiting the Carr family in Montana. Later she enjoyed a trip to Yugoslavia and Italy, and several trips to Hawaii. She especially loved fishing with her husband and kids on the family boat. She blessed all with her positive attitude and her ability to make you feel special. Mary was most proud of her family and loved nothing more than be surrounded by them and friends. Our sadness is only lifted by our knowledge that she is now back with the love of her life, Rudy, and all of her family and friends that have gone before her.She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Gretchen; brothers, George, Jack and Jim Carr; husband, Rudy; and infant grandchildren Jeffery, Greg and Johanna. She is survived by her children Richard (Lois), Butch (Maria), Anna Margaret (John Rear), Mary Kay (Kelly Corrigan), Sharon (Ken Gill), Mike (Shannon), Pat (Maizie) and Lisa Pusich. Grandchildren Rick (Susie), Chris, Kelly Anne, Shane (Kercia), Shannon, Brendan, Lauren, Allyson, Kevin, Luke and Marissa. Great grandchildren Joe, Nick, Zoe, Elizabeth, Cooper and Cullen.A service will be Monday, June 29th at 5:30pm at the Cathedral of the Nativity, 416 5th Street, Juneau. In lieu of flowers the family recommends donations on behalf of Mary to Hospice and Home Care, Southeast Senior Services or Compass Home Care of Juneau.The family may be contacted at PO Box 34023, Juneau, Alaska 99803. The family requests you to please sign our on-line guest book and share photos and stories at www.legacyalaska.com.