MARY'S STORY

Put your sunglasses on for this one, she is in a brighter place. Mary Elizabeth Bump gained her angel wings Monday, September 20, 2021 at the age of 37 after a courageous and heroic battle of colon cancer. Her beloved parents were by her side when she entered the sparkly gates.  Her funeral service began at 11:10 am in true Mary fashion, to accommodate for the 10 minutes late she would have been if it were at 11am.

 

Mary, commonly referred to as “Mare Bare” by her loved ones, was the quick witted and kind hearted daughter of Pat and Mary Jane Bump of Bondurant. Mary adored her parents and was constantly thanking them for everything they did for her. They blessed her with eight siblings, which were her best friends for life. The bond between the family is unbreakable. Family was Mary’s most prized possession.

 

Mary was born and raised in Washington, Iowa, where growing up she owned the streets on her rollerblades and many friends by her side. She loved playing backyard baseball, football, and basketball all in which her family had their own team for! She continued her love for sports into adulthood where she played slow pitch softball and basketball, even while going through chemo treatments.

 

Mary took such pride working at the Washington Middle School with students with special needs and REM with adults with special needs. Mary loved her job, her coworkers, and most of all the people she took care of. There weren’t many conversations she’d have without bringing them up, they meant everything to her.

 

Mary had so many friends, who have all been there by her side in the best of times and worst of times. She was deeply loved because she loved so deeply. She was truly one of a kind. She always cared so much more about others than she even did herself. That was true until the very end. She was the most quick witted, hysterical person you could be around. 

 

And her dance moves?? On point. Mary loved to dance! She took note from Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger. Her special appearances as Michael were some for the memory books for sure. She never enjoyed the spotlight so she made sure she had sunglasses on at all times so no one could “see her.” And she did just that, danced like no one was watching. 

 

She loved music! Her love began at a young age with family gathering around the campfire and living room singing, dancing, and playing guitar. She was an old soul, loving 70s rock-specifically The Rolling Stones, and was quite the music trivia wiz!

 

Mary was a woman of God. She had no doubt He was with her every step of her journey here in life. She watched Father Dave’s mass daily and shined her love for life on everyone she met.

 

Mary is survived by her mom and dad, Pat and Mary Jane Bump of Bondurant, IA. Eight siblings; Sarah (Jordan) Walkup, of Windsor Heights, IA, PJ Bump of Sun City, AZ, Katie (Jared) Schneider of Wellman, IA, Danny (Hillary) Bump of Waukee, IA, Julie (Matt) Sillanpaa of Bondurant, IA, Theresa (Ryan) Hanes of Solon, IA, Matthew Bump (Lily Roggensack) of Ankeny, IA, Thomas Bump (Meagan Morrissey) of Ankeny, IA. Twelve nieces and nephews, Katelyn, Kurt, Brooklyn and Luke Schneider, Parker James and Maverick, Brooks, & Elizabeth Bump, Isabel and William Sillanpaa, and Gracie & Mara Hanes.  Mara, Elizabeth, and Isabel Elizabeth are named after Mary and a wonderful reminder of her innocence and beauty every single day!