Mary Elizabeth Drew Harro was born July 2, 1920, in Heyburn of Minidoka County, Idaho on the family farm. Her father had just completed a new home two weeks prior to her birth and Mary was born in the front bedroom.
Her mother’s name was Flora R. Drew and her father’s name was William A. Drew. Both parents created a loving Christian home for their children. Mary had three brothers including John, Walter, Bill and one sister by the name of Dorothy. Bill Drew of Heyburn, Idaho is the only living sibling.
Mary attended grades 1-8 at the Emerson School that was 1 ¼ miles from her family home. She graduated from Heyburn High School in 1938 and then attended the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho for 2 years, receiving a certificate to teach school. She taught 2 years and then married Reverend Lewis M. Harro on August 25, 1942. Reverend Harro was the pastor at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Burley and Declo, Idaho at the time.
Soon after their marriage Mary and Lewis drove their 1937 Ford 2-door sedan to Princeton Theological Seminary for Lewis to work on attaining a Master of Theology Degree. Mary took a piano course at Westminster College and worked in the office of the Princeton Hospital. She was active in music both in High School and College. After attaining his Master of Theology Degree, Reverend Lewis was first called to ministry in Pawhuska, Oklahoma and then to Post Falls, Idaho in 1946. They served in the Community Presbyterian Church there in Post Falls. Their first son William was born in 1947. In 1948 they moved to Sand Point, Idaho serving in the First Presbyterian Church. Their daughter Elizabeth was born there in 1951.
In 1956 the family moved again to Helena, Montana where they served in the 1st Presbyterian Church. Their two additional sons John and James were born there. Mary was active in youth work as well as the Women’s Bible Studies and the church choir. While in Helena, Mary also did substitute teaching. The family then moved to Missoula, Montana where Mary sang in the Missoula Symphony Orchestra Chorale. Mary decided to attend the University of Montana for two additional years of education and earned a bachelor’s degree in education while living in Missoula. She taught pre-kindergarten for several years in both Missoula and Victor, Montana. Lewis served as pastor in a Presbyterian-Baptist-Community Church in Victor.
In 1982 Mary and Lewis moved to Boise, Idaho. They have known many friends during their lifetimes. Mary’s father William had died in 1959. Mary’s mother Flora lived with Mary and Lewis in Boise in her later years and died at the age of 97 on May 3rd, 1984. While living in Boise, Mary became very active in the Whitney Women’s Choral and traveled to the Oregon Coast, Wales, Ireland, and England. She also traveled two times to Israel to visit the Holy Land.
Mary is survived by her children William (Teresa), Elizabeth (Ron), John (Denise), and James. Grandchildren Mary Angela, Lara, and Wes Fritsch and Laura Harro Jasinek. Mary also has five great grandchildren: Micah, Isaiah, Anna, and Clara Carpenter and Abigail Jasinek, as well as two great-great grandchildren. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. Mary was predeceased by twin grandsons Mark and Daniel Harro.
God has been her comfort and help throughout her 103 years. Funeral Services will take place at Alden-Waggoner on Saturday, April 27th at 10:00AM.
Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel and Crematory
5400 W. Fairview Ave.
Boise, ID 83706
Phone: 208-376-5400
Mary will be buried next to her husband Rev. Lewis M. Harro of 52 years at the Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, Idaho following the service.
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