OBITUARY
In Loving memory of Our Owner Mary L Perry
Mary L Perry
November 20, 1940 — September 10, 2024
Louisville, KY
Mary L. Perry, 83, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024 in her home with family by her side.
A lifelong learner and educator, Mary held a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Utah. She worked in primary schools and universities, developed curriculum and faculty training for the Catholic school system, and taught on the Pine Ridge Oglala and Sioux reservation in South Dakota. She served on the national Board of Directors for the American Association of University Women, representing the organization at the NGO Forum/International Women’s Conference in Beijing, and at the Women in Business initiative in Moscow, advocating for women’s rights and education access.
She had a passion for world travel, reading, and animals. Later in life, she turned her love of animals into a new career. She owned and operated The Pet School and Hotel from 2003 until her death, and bred champion Westie show dogs. She founded Mount Olympus Aviaries, where she bred and cared for exotic birds. Known as “The Bird Lady”, she was a respected expert in the field. She had a profound connection to all the animals in her care, as well as the wild ones that visited her property daily.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Bernard A. Perry; siblings, Ruth Spears and Thomas Perry; nephew, Jeffrey Perry; and former husband, Ray Agutter. She is survived by her brother, Bernard J. Perry (Janis Spillman); nephews, Keith Perry (Trace), Chris Perry (Mary Margaret), Brian Perry (Adrienne Bach), and Thomas Perry, Jr. (Heidi); nieces, Virginia Brewer (Tim) and Michele Spears (Dave Bushnell); and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She will be remembered for her independence, loyalty, dry sense of humor, love of all creatures, and the everlasting imprint she leaves on those that love her.
In Loving memory of Our Owner Mary L Perry
Mary L Perry
November 20, 1940 — September 10, 2024
Louisville, KY
Mary L. Perry, 83, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024 in her home with family by her side.
A lifelong learner and educator, Mary held a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Utah. She worked in primary schools and universities, developed curriculum and faculty training for the Catholic school system, and taught on the Pine Ridge Oglala and Sioux reservation in South Dakota. She served on the national Board of Directors for the American Association of University Women, representing the organization at the NGO Forum/International Women’s Conference in Beijing, and at the Women in Business initiative in Moscow, advocating for women’s rights and education access.
She had a passion for world travel, reading, and animals. Later in life, she turned her love of animals into a new career. She owned and operated The Pet School and Hotel from 2003 until her death, and bred champion Westie show dogs. She founded Mount Olympus Aviaries, where she bred and cared for exotic birds. Known as “The Bird Lady”, she was a respected expert in the field. She had a profound connection to all the animals in her care, as well as the wild ones that visited her property daily.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Bernard A. Perry; siblings, Ruth Spears and Thomas Perry; nephew, Jeffrey Perry; and former husband, Ray Agutter. She is survived by her brother, Bernard J. Perry (Janis Spillman); nephews, Keith Perry (Trace), Chris Perry (Mary Margaret), Brian Perry (Adrienne Bach), and Thomas Perry, Jr. (Heidi); nieces, Virginia Brewer (Tim) and Michele Spears (Dave Bushnell); and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She will be remembered for her independence, loyalty, dry sense of humor, love of all creatures, and the everlasting imprint she leaves on those that love her.
MEMORIAL SERVICE VIDEO
MEMORIAL SERVICE SLIDE SHOW
GUEST BOOK ENTRIES
Mary was such a bright light in my life. I came to know her when I began taking my dogs to The Pet school and Hotel. She has so many accomplishments but I miss the mornings and afternoon when we would greet each other and hug. Truly a remarkable woman who leaves a lasting impression on this world. We will miss you so much Mary. Enjoy all that heaven offers. You are a beautiful soul.
I was blessed and honored to be trusted with the care of 3 of Mary’s sweet birds, and, in the short time my husband and I spoke with her, I’m sorry I didn’t know her earlier in my life. She was such an amazing person on so many levels. My condolences to her family and life long friends, and hopes for your peace and healing.
There are not enough words to properly express the kindness that Mary handed out on a daily basis. She was always quick to say hello and ask how you were doing. Trying to describe just how wonderful of a person she was… is not possible, you will always fall short of just how wonderful she was. It was only after we had known her for 5 or 6 years did we get to know of her extraordinary life before The Pet School. What a great lady and friend. We will miss you. You will always be in our hearts.
Mary was selfless, generous, kind, and loving. She once gave me two stuffed mice after I told her how I had a mouse in my house. We had a good laugh naming the mouse Mickey. I will miss her smile and hugs. I will never forget Mary. Until we meet again.
Scott, Tracy & Taylor Estepp has purchased Loving Embrace for Mary Perry
Mary was so passionate about her animals and exotic birds. Her care and love of them even saved some species. We learned so much from her, she was a wonderful and brave woman. We feel privileged to have known her and she will forever be in our hearts. Larry and Rhonda Davis
