Mary Elizabeth Quidley, 64, of Kitty Hawk, NC, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at The Outer Banks Hospital.
She was born in Elizabeth City, NC, on June 4, 1957, to Mary Karolyn Whitfield Quidley and the late William (Bill) Johnston Quidley. Mary was the beloved granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Ashley (Elizabeth Smith) Whitfield. Along with her mother, she is survived by four siblings, two nieces and two nephews: Gracie Quidley (Barco, NC), Susan Quidley and daughter Ashley Quidley (Kitty Hawk, NC) Willie Quidley and son Lane Quidley (Currituck, NC), Karol Quidley and children Beaman Hines, Jr. and Annaleigh Hines (Kitty Hawk, NC.)
Mary’s always happy, kind, caring, generous spirit resulted in anyone lucky enough to meet her to instantly like her and those fortunate enough to know her well to love her. She leaves behind many dearly loved friends she considered family including Debbie and Victor Diaz (Kill Devil Hills, NC), Carl and Jennifer Berry (Kitty Hawk, NC), Lynn Hines and Barb Bradac (Sparta, GA), Wendi Willoughby (Kill Devil Hills, NC), Shawn Murphy (Kill Devil Hills, NC), Mike Harris (Currituck, NC), Missy and Ray Bateman (Bassett, VA) and many more.
She was an animal lover and leaves in the loving care of her family her beloved Andy Dandy, Rosemary, Dorothy Vader, and others.
Mary graduated from Manteo High School in 1975, attended College of the Albemarle and graduated from Western Carolina University. Upon graduating, she returned home to Kitty Hawk and shortly thereafter begin her life-long career in municipal government. She served as the first full-time employee for the Town of Kitty Hawk when it incorporated in 1981. In 1984 she joined the Town of Kill Devil Hills as Tax Collector and was later sworn in as Town Clerk. She happily and loyally served in this position for 37 years until the time of her death. She earned the esteemed designation of Certified Municipal Clerk, served on numerous boards for the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks and had received acceptance into the Master Municipal Clerk program through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She was instrumental in envisioning and developing numerous community programs and events. Most gratifying to her was The Paws Park which opened in June 2019.
Mary was a proud third-generation Kitty Hawker. Later in life, she bought a little house in the mountains and made Fairystone, Virginia her part-time home as often as possible. She was a life-long collector of beach glass, an avid reader and lover of books, a historian and, self-educated expert of World War II/Holocaust history and Civil War history. All who knew her are certain she could have become a Jeopardy champion. She was a talented stained-glass artist and had the honor of presenting President George H.W. Bush with one of her pieces during the 100th Anniversary of Flight celebration at Wright Brothers National Memorial. She inherited a love of flowers and gardening from her grandmother, enjoyed cooking and baking great food and most especially sharing it with friends and loved ones.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Wallace H. McCown Scholarship fund administered through the Outer Banks Community Foundation, 13 Skyline Drive, Southern Shores, NC 27949, (252) 261-8839. Mary was instrumental in the inception of this scholarship and, it as well as the man it honors, were very important to and loved by her.
The family wishes to thank Dare County EMS, the Kitty Hawk Fire and Police Departments and all emergency first responders.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 4:30PM at the Town of Kill Devil Hills Aviation Park Frog Pond, 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
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Twiford Funeral Home (Outer Banks)
500 Budleigh Street, PO Box 595,
Fax: (252) 473-3392
Email: David.Twiford.Jr@TwifordFH.com
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Ginger W. Reber
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers for all her family.
Linda & George Pearce, Manteo, NC
Shocked and heartbroken by this sad news. We have not had much time together in recent years, but shared lots of wonderful days working at Wright Brothers National Memorial. You could not find a more loyal or caring friend than Mary. Sending my love and sympathy to her family and friends – and especially to her mother/Karolyn.
Faye Lewark Daniels
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time; may your memories bring you comfort.
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~~ Eskimo Proverb
Rick Lawrenson
Mary was always a kind neighbor. Her daily is in our prayers.
Jack Neighbors
Family, friends-meaning everyone who met her- Mary was an incredible openly friendly soul who radiated warmth every time I ran into her, starting a long time ago in Kitty Hawk. I will miss her smile as will everyone who knew her. Sincerest condolences to all of you.
Missy and Stan Newman
So sorry for the loss of your sister and friend. Treasure your memories and take heart that you will see her again.
Missy and Stan Newman
Tina Tice
Please accept our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We wish you comfort and peace.
The Tice Family
Diane Ward Harris
I’m sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. My deepest sympathy to the Quidley Family
Roxanne L Jackson
My heart goes out too Marys family. . Love and prayers to each of you. She will be missed by everyone that knew and loved her
Marcia Sawyer Bryant
Very surprised to read this and sincerely sorry. Mary was sure a fine Kitty Hawker as well as a wonderful representative of our County. She will be missed.
Matt Lowcher
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Mary for over 30 years. She was a lovely lady, and will be missed by all that knew her.
Holly Meekins Williams
To all of Mary’s family — I am heartbroken to learn about Mary. She was a friend since childhood schooldays. Such a kind soul. Always smart as a whip and a great conversationalist. She did so much for her community and state. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many of us in your great loss.
Donna Haskett
I am so sorry to hear of Mary Elizabeth’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Wanda Coleman
So sorry for your loss. Although I only know Karol and Susan, prayers go out to the entire family. I have heard many nice things about Mary over the years, including her kind heart.
Sallie Ackley
We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers for your family.
BL and Sallie Ackley
Terry and Jane Gray
So Sorry for your loss. Mary was a mainstay at KDH and always willing to go the distance. I recall she was always eager to step up in problem solving, no matter what the issue, as far back as Trash Attack, and the Town’s Celebrations, and as late as the West side Recreation Group, Mary was always the first to step up and offer advice, wisdom and history. She was always the first to step aside and not worry about who got the credit, as long as KDH moved ahead. She will be missed greatly, and not forgotten. Prayers for comfort in this difficult time.
Juanita Baum
My heart goes out to the family. May God continue to keep and comfort the family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you always. Deepest sympathy !!
Juanita Baum
Roberta Evans
Please know that the entire Quidley family is in our thoughts. Mary was such a light to all who knew her. You have many memories to share as your hearts heal.