Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 29, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Mary Tinapple Fisher, a resident of the Cypress of Charlotte, passed away Monday, November 29^, 2021.  Her life exemplified grace for 93 years, right to her last breath.  Mary was born on June 19, 1928 in a farmhouse built by her father’s ancestors in Hilliard, Ohio.

Mary described her father, Albert Tinapple, as a gregarious man who loved everyone, and her mother, Edith Baker Tinapple, as a quiet and resourceful woman who was always making something.  When they weren’t busy with farm chores, Mary and her older sister, Joan Tinapple Dodson enjoyed playing with the animals and spending time with their many cousins in the area. The Tinapple family was very active in the German Lutheran Church, and Mary’s Christian faith remained a central part of her life.

Mary knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. She said her brilliant older brother, Harold Tinapple, helped her to value education.  Mary attended Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and went on to teach third grade.  She took on many church and community duties when her children were growing up and will be remembered for helping people.  Throughout her 60s, 70s, and 80s, Mary spent countless hours checking in on her older friends and relatives, driving them to doctors appointments, taking them out to lunch, and making sure they felt valued. Mary’s generosity also shined through in the thoughtful, beautifully wrapped gifts she always had in tow.

Mary lived for 64 years with her loving husband, Don, who died in 2017.  Don and Mary went to the same high school but didn’t get to know each other until talking years later at a picnic for Columbus teachers.  When Don called her afterwards to ask for a first date, Mary was busy making funeral preparations for her mother, and caring for her sick father.  Despite Don’s initial bad timing, the couple quickly became inseparable.  They said their recipe for maintaining such a strong relationship was honest communication, learning to compromise, going to church together, and having fun.  Mary also said “like anything else, you have to work hard at it.”  Their grandchildren said they made growing old look like fun--their social life was very active during their decades in Columbus, Ohio and Siesta Key, Florida.  When they moved to the Cypress in 2014, they quickly made many new friends together because, while Don was very charming, Mary was a wonderful listener and remembered every detail about each person they met.  Now that Don and Mary are reunited, they are surely planning a party together or playing a big card game with their mutual friends.

When the COVID pandemic turned the world upside down in 2020, Mary maintained her signature grace and strength, frequently saying she would “make the best of it.” Growing up during the Great Depression and losing her parents young gave Mary a deep appreciation for life. She never hesitated to express gratitude for the kindness of others, and she had a seemingly endless supply of thank you cards that she kept busy writing for as long as she was able to write. In addition to her thank you notes, Mary was known for her creative accessorizing. She rarely left the house without a necklace and earrings to match her colorful outfit. She loved creating hats, holiday decorations, and funny Halloween costumes that Don was always willing to wear.

Mary leaves a legacy of love in her children and their families.  She is survived by her son, Tom Fisher, his wife, Ashley of Charlotte; daughter, Jan Jenkins and her husband, Pat of Mooresville.  Also surviving are five grandchildren, Colton Fisher, Grant Fisher, Eric Jenkins, Zak Jenkins and Kayla Jenkins; four great-grandchildren and beloved nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Mary and her family are forever grateful to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region and especially nurse Lisa who called her “Lady Mary,” and her 3 caregivers whom she loved like daughters:  Shana, Keisha and Anetra.

A memorial service for Mary will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 6, 2021 at Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  The service will be livestreamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/mary-fisher-memorial-service-676469 for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Mary to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247 or Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 or St. James Lutheran Church, 5660 Trabue Road, Columbus, OH 43228.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.