She was married to Edward Grant Kidrick, who preceded her in death, and is survived by her children Jim, Jerry and Kathy; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was born in Bremerton, Washington, to James and Katherine Jessup, a distinguished family that owned several newspaper businesses in Western Washington, including the Bremerton Sun. Mary was very active in Bremerton High School athletics and service club activities, where she met her future husband, Edward Grant Kidrick, who was known by the name “Grant.”
Mary and Grant built bonds at Bremerton High that lasted throughout their lifetimes. As a couple, and with many high school friends, Mary enjoyed many wonderful times at the family cabin on Wooten Lake. Mary attended the University of Washington, but married Grant soon upon his return from World War II and quickly started a family.
Mary traveled with Grant to several locations in Washington because of his job, first to Tacoma, then Edmonds, and finally to Centralia working for the Bank Check Supply Company where they remained for the rest of their lives.
Once the Kidrick family was situated in Centralia, Mary decided to return to college, and she achieved a bachelor’s degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University. She became a teacher in the Centralia School District and was an active teacher for many years in elementary and junior high schools. Mary was passionate about education, and she continued teaching as a substitute for many years after retirement. Her life’s work was dedicated to teaching, leaving a lasting impact on her students over the years. Many of Mary’s students stayed in touch with her as they grew into adulthood, reinforcing Mary’s passion for helping others.
In her personal life, Mary was a loving and supportive mother, actively encouraging and participating in her children’s activities. She drove them to practices, attended their games and was a strong, loving, supportive presence in their lives, creating happy memories for multiple generations of the Kidrick family.
Mary’s care and generosity went beyond her family, and she welcomed many children and students to her home without hesitation if they needed a friendly supportive place to be. Her selflessness and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
As we remember Mary (known as “Kitten” to many), we hold the simple, yet powerful, lessons of love and compassion that she shared with everyone around her. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know this remarkable woman.
A celebration of life for Mary will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. April 28, 2024, at the Ford’s Prairie Grange. Please contact Mary’s son, Jerry Kidrick, to relay any memories or thoughts about Mary and her service to others. Feel free to email Jerry at KittenKidrickMemories@gmail.com.
