Mary Edith Koch Barclay of Severna Park passed away peacefully in her home on March 5, 2023 at the age of 80. Marjorie and Carl Koch welcomed Mary into this world on May 10, 1942 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Mary spent many wonderful summers water skiing and boating with her family at their lake cottage in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Mary attended Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, and she held summer employment at the local newspaper, The Green Lake Reporter. Good at all sports, Mary began as the catcher for her grade school baseball team. She played varsity field hockey and basketball at Wayland.

In 1964, Mary graduated from Miami of Ohio University with a degree in English and French. After college, she embarked for Paris where she studied at The Sorbonne and enjoyed traveling in Europe. Upon her return, Mary lived in New York City where she taught high school French and met her husband Charles B. Barclay Jr. Six months later, Mary and Charlie were married in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in August, 1966.

The young couple settled in Annapolis, Maryland where they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Anne, in May, 1968. The family moved to Severna Park, and Mary earned her Masters Degree in Library Science at The University of Maryland. She became the research librarian at the Severna Park Public Library where she delighted audiences on Saturdays with a Children's Story Hour. Mary founded Community Talent Associates with Elizabeth Slikker, who was Anne's piano teacher, and together they brought performing artists into the area grade schools for the enrichment of students. In 1978, Mary earned her Real Estate License and, with her research capabilities, successfully helped people find wonderful homes in the Severna Park area for many years.

Mary was a charter member of Chapter R, Philanthropic Educational Organization, P.E.O., and she enjoyed over 50 years of friendship and philanthropy with her sisters and their families in Severna Park. Mary enjoyed many years as a member of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, and she always brought Anne to the monthly music programs. When her daughter attended Severn School, Mary played an active role in supporting the school community where she built great friendships with the Severn parents and their families.

An avid sports player, Mary played tennis every week with friends in Severna Park and at The Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club (LEHYC) in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Mary, Charlie and Anne have spent many summers over the years with friends and family in Beach Haven. Mary was also an ardent life-long reader. She was a leader in book groups both in Severna Park and at LEHYC. Also at LEHYC, she participated in the Art Group where she painted beautiful watercolor and oil paintings. Other hobbies included playing the piano, Bridge, knitting and cooking family recipes that she learned from her mother and Grandmother, and of course French recipes from Julia Child.

Mary and Charlie traveled extensively over the years, and they created fond memories of Europe (especially France as she was fluent in French), and a Baltic cruise. She used her keen research skills to build travel adventures for her family in the U.S. and abroad. Mary's love of languages and culture made her an entertaining storyteller and a joyful conversationalist. Mary made friends everywhere she went, and people were always happy to show her the best that their countries had to offer. She was truly good at everything she did.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Brunner Barclay, of 57 years; daughter, Anne Brooks Barclay Perry (Wesley Scott Perry) and two grandchildren, William and Wesley; and by her sister, Kathryn Elizabeth Koch Kremer (Michael G. Kremer) of Middleton, Wisconsin. Mary is predeceased by her brother, Thomas Autrey Koch of Chatham, NJ, and by her parents, Marjorie Louise Autrey Koch and Carl Nelson Koch.

Mary was a joy to everyone.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Saturday, April 15 at 11:30 am, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Severna Park, MD 21146, with a reception to follow. Interment will be private.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to P.E.O. International Giving Opportunities for the education of women. https://donations.peointernational.org/ or to Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church https://www.woodschurch.org

Online Condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com