Life story

"Mary Frances Teer, 88, of Warrenton died at home on Friday, January 28, 2022. Mary was born at Cootes Store in Rockingham County, Virginia on March 15, 1933. Mary had a passion for gardening, crafting, poetry, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John’s, but above all she loved her grandchildren, who brought her much joy.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Elaine M. Teer, infant son, Kevin Mark Teer, and brother, Richard C. Runion. She is survived by her daughter Shawn C. Teer of Warrenton Va., four grandchildren Sr. Mary Bernard, O.P. of Sacramento Ca., Paul E. Palmer of Summerduck, Kenneth F. Palmer, and Thomas A. Palmer of Warrenton, and two siblings, Ray Runion (Jean) of Broadway Va. and Sue Carpenter of Townville S.C. She was a beloved "Aunt Mary” to many nieces and nephews, and was adopted “Mom” and "Grandma Mary" to many as well.  

Mary was a career waitress who worked in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia. While in D.C., she worked at The Intrigue where she served many celebrities who were performing at the Kennedy Center. Her demeanor while serving Elizabeth Taylor led Ms. Taylor to instruct the owner of the restaurant that she only wanted Mary as her waitress during her stay while performing in the play The Little Foxes. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 2:00 p.m on February 19th at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 271 Winchester St., Warrenton, VA 20186. Internment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Dominican Sisters Mary Mother of the Eucharist, 4597 Warren Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Online contributions can be made at https//www.sistersofmary.org/giving/ways-to-give."