Mary Grace Evans

Mary Grace Evans, 79, of Saint Louis, Missouri, died peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Born in Detroit, Michigan on June 9, 1944, Mary Grace was the daughter of Grace Barlage (Cotter) and Joseph Barlage. She was a graduate of Mercy High School and Mercy College of Detroit where she received a BA in Theater. Mary worked as a model and actress for most of her life. Mary was a loving individual, who immersed herself in all the fine arts, and was always a great friend to those who needed encouragement and support. Mary took immense pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Mary was an irrepressible conversationalist, who could speak and debate on an incredibly diverse set of topics. She was a voracious reader her entire life and was a life – long learner. She often took classes in the fine arts and foreign languages until the last few years of her life. After spending her entire life in Michigan, Mary moved to Saint Louis, Missouri in 1993. She spent time working in the art departments at Saint Louis Community College, University of Missouri – Saint Louis, Washington University, and Southwestern Illinois College. Complications from a heart attack limited her mobility, but she continued to sing in the choir, read, and seek out meaningful conversations nearly every day of her life. Mary was preceded in life by her parents, and the late Carrie Mason. She is survived by her daughter Katherine (Andrew) Durden, son Thomas (Lisa) Evans, grandchildren Penny, Edie, Hank, and Fred Durden, life – long friend Diane Davis, dearest friends Eugene Fitzgerald, Joni Hoscher, and Betty Burke, and many cousins. Mary was a beloved Aunt to Rachel Sharp, Christina Bare, and Daniel Mason.

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