Mary Loso

Dedicated educator, loving mother and grandmother, Mary Loso passed away at the age of 86 on April 10, 2022. Born to Marguerite and Franklin Ver Steeg on December 17, 1935, she and her three younger siblings grew up in Redlands, California amid the sweet blossoms of orange trees, purple mountains, and clear skies. She was proud of her hometown and active in the University Methodist Church, her high school chorus, many clubs, and sports teams. Her parents taught her to love reading and music, and she was wild about both. On her frequent visits to the library, she would bring home as many books as her arms could hold. Mary knew that she wanted to become a teacher as early as fourth grade and completed her BA in Education at San Diego State University in 1957. She met her husband, Gary, on a blind date at a SDSU football game. They had two children and almost fifty years together. In 1998, they moved to Oregon to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Gary passed away in 2005, and Mary missed him dearly every day of her life.
Mary possessed a kind spirit, thirst for learning, and enviable beauty. She had many dear friends; she never missed a birthday, anniversary, or a chance to give someone a small gift. She believed in the worth and dignity of each person. She was passionate about teaching first grade and was an educator for the San Diego Unified School District for 28 years. Her students adored her, and many continued to correspond with her every year. Mary belonged to the Universalist Unitarian church in Salem and was an ardent supporter of the Democratic Party. She was an active member of the Salem Women’s Chorus and the Monmouth Garden Club. She enjoyed Masterpiece Theatre, playing the piano, newspapers, shoe shopping, new recipes, and heirloom roses. Her family will miss her giving spirit and her delicious prize-winning cookies. Mary is survived by daughter Yvonne Granados and husband, Eleazar of Corvallis; son Kevin Loso and wife, Dana of Corvallis; grandson Brian Alaman and wife, Clair of Bozeman; grandson Steven Alaman of Portland; sister Roberta Burnham and husband, Malin of San Diego; brother Robert Ver Steeg of Redlands; and brother Jim Ver Steeg and wife, Sharon of Redlands as well as cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
Dogs were a beloved part of Mary’s life. In remembrance of her, the family invites you to give a donation to Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon. A private graveside service will be held at Smith Cemetery in Monmouth, Oregon.