WILMINGTON — Mary Lee Trowbridge, 87, of Wilmington, NC, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 2, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born June 13, 1938, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mary was the daughter of the late Armand and Ila Ruby Loomis McCollister. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Ann “Betty” White and Shirley Lou Allen.
Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Trowbridge; her beloved twin sister, Joan Ellen Buehl; and her cherished children: Megan Bogart (Ed), Frank McKeown (Karen), Patrick McKeown (Jennifer), Molly McKeown, Katie Robertson (Scott) and Ellen Joy (Michael), stepson Keith Trowbridge and stepdaughter Malissa Trowbridge.
Mary was a proud grandmother to Bridget, Molly, Michael, Caitlin, Emily, Maggie, Andrew, Peter, Christopher, Frank, Rachel, Daniel, Louis and Ila; and great‑grandmother to Jillian, Pierce, Mary Grace, Anna Kate, Bennett, Olivia, Owen, Charlie and Frances. She also leaves behind many dear friends and relatives.
Mary spent her childhood in Tallmadge, Ohio, before moving with her family to Hamburg, Germany for three years during her adolescence. She attended Bowling Green State University, where she met her former husband, the late Michael McKeown, father of her six children.
Mary’s commitment to nurturing others —especially children — was one of her defining gifts. She often said that being a mother was the most meaningful accomplishment of her life. She also had a career as a trainer with the State of Ohio Department of Youth Services, where she devoted herself to helping young people find stability, confidence and hope. Later, she served as a manager for employment services for the State of Ohio.
Mary was always an artist at heart, sketching when she could find spare time. After her husband Bob gave her a paint set and art lesson, that passion blossomed into a vibrant second career. Mary became a prize‑winning artist and art teacher. She was active in the Wilmington art community through organizations such as The ArtWorks and Wilmington Art Association. Previously, she served as president of the Westerville, Ohio Art Association and the Ocala, Florida Art League. She shared her love of art generously, frequently offering free lessons and paint palettes to friends and strangers alike.
Mary’s legacy is one of creativity, kindness and love — a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of her life will be planned for a later date.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Liberty Home Care and Hospice for the compassion shown to Mary during her final years.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Wilmington Art Association.
