Mary Flynn Palley
August 20, 1942 – March 11, 2016
Mary Flynn Palley, 73, died Friday, March 11, 2016, at her home in Logan, Utah.
She was born Aug. 20, 1942, in Rochester, NY, to Leonard and Jane (Seely) Flynn.
Mary graduated from UCLA and UCLA School of Law. She met Michael Richard Palley in Dykstra Hall while an undergraduate. They married June 6, 1963. Michael and Mary were lovingly married until Michael’s death Aug. 15, 1982. They had one child, John.
Mary married Dell Andrew Johnson on June 17, 1989, in Cache Valley, Utah.
After moving to Utah, Mary continued to work as an attorney, both in private practice and providing countless hours of free legal advocacy. She was a board member of the nonprofit organization Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse, CAPSA, for 26 years. She helped develop and fund transitional housing, which she dedicated to her grandchildren, Michael and Emily. She also set up an endowment for scholarships for women who wanted to return to college at Utah State University. Mary loved to travel the world, play bridge, do puzzles, read and cook. She had long been active in the Democratic political community and was especially proud to be a delegate at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
She is survived by her son, John Bernard Palley, and daughter-in-law, Kathleen Jeri Palley, Roseville, CA; a grandson, Michael David Palley; a granddaughter, Emily Michelle Palley; a sister, Margaret S. Flynn, Santa Rosa, CA; a beloved dog, Jane; and many loved ones from both the Palley and Johnson families.
Her remains were cremated and will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica, CA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either or CAPSA.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, March 22, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Logan Golf & Country Club, 710 N. 1500 East in Logan.
Published in Logan Herald Journal from March 15 to March 20, 2016
[Great-great-granddaughter of SGS # 2509 – Mary Jane Flynn; Jane Elizabeth; James Madison; James Madison; Lyman John (# 2509); Benjamin (# 916); David; Justus; John; Benjamin; Nathaniel; Robert]
