Mary Willmes Purdy, 96, of Henrico, NC passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at her home on Lake Gaston.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Captain Harlan Ralph Purdy, USN (retired), her son, Thomas Harlan Purdy, her brothers, Joseph Willmes (Beryle), Harold Willmes (Florence), and Alfred Willmes (Patricia), sisters Anna Leicht (Dick), Alice Willmes, Mildred “Buddy” Cleary (Jack), Stella Purdy (Walter), and Eleanor Maier (Joe).

Mary was born in Webster, New York, the daughter of Anthony “Tony” Willmes and Margaret LeFrois. She graduated from Webster High School in 1947. Mary enjoyed working at the Candy Kitchen in Webster and later at Kodak in Rochester before she married Harlan, a Lieutenant in the Navy and a Naval Aviator. She dutifully and most willingly fulfilled the job of Navy Wife over the course of her husband’s 30 year Naval Career…quite a job in and of itself with multiple deployments, living away from family, moving every 2-3 years… She was also the mother of 4 children (all born within 5 years), one of whom was handicapped and required much special care.

Mary shared Harlan’s love for the outdoors, especially camping, bicycling and boating. From the time the children were small through retirement, they traveled the country, visiting most of the National Parks in their Volkswagen Camper…they loved their Volkswagen Campers and owned three of them over the years.

They settled in Henrico, NC on Lake Gaston in 1987. Mary was active with the Lake Gaston Ladies Club where she enjoyed the card groups. Her passion was playing Hand and Foot while enjoying lunch and friendship with her friends from cards.

Mary and Harlan loved to host family and friends at their home. They fully embraced Lake Life…waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing their Hobie Cat, kayaking and early morning swims.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Patricia Lynn Purdy of North Wilkesboro, NC, Joan Purdy Thayer (Doug) of Waleska GA; her son, Robert Charles Purdy (Irene) of Henrico, NC; her sister, Theresa Schutt of Webster, NY; her sister in law, Bobbie Willmes of Webster, NY; grandchildren, Thomas Joines, Adam Joines (Jennifer), Nathaniel Thayer (Kim), Charlotte Guerrero (Alberto), and Peter Thayer (Julia), as well as ten grandchildren, Ashley, Amber, Paige, Addison, Owen, Emilyn, Jack, Eva, Adrian and Liam, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Ebony, VA with Father Jong Bayta officiating. Burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Memorial gifts may be made to The American Heart Association. Mary was a true fighter whose strength and resilience carried her through many difficult moments. Your gift honors her memory while helping others facing heart disease and stroke.