Mary Carol Brady Burgess

Mary Carol Brady Burgess passed away in Logan, Utah on July 3, 2025. Mary was born on December 21, 1935 in Ogden, Utah to George and Nellie Brady. In her early teens her family moved to Hyrum, Utah where they lived across the street from the boy who would become her high school sweetheart, her running mate for high school student council, and eventually, her husband.

Mary attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for a year before transferring to the University of Utah where she completed her degree in Music Education. During her college years she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She remained an active alumni member of the sorority throughout her life – enjoying book clubs, gourmet meals, theatre outings and other events with her sisters.

Mary married Peter Burgess on August 23, 1958, and they soon found themselves at the American Institute for Foreign Trade in Glendale, AZ. This was a move that set them on a trajectory of a life full of adventure. Although it was Peter’s employment that dictated where they lived (including Mexico, Peru, Brazil and The Philippines), Mary was always active and engaged in the community wherever they were. With 2 young children when they moved to Arequipa, Peru, Mary was concerned about quality education. She worked with 10 other English, American and Peruvian people to start a school that would provide a comprehensive education of high academic standards and intensive English learning, as a means for international communication and understanding. El Colegio Anglo Americano Prescott opened in 1965 with classes for 4 and 5 year old children. Today the school has 1325 students enrolled in preschool through 12th grade. In Brazil she was the instrument and choral teacher at the international school, as well as directing school plays.

Mary was a gifted musician and linguist. She taught music, Spanish and French in the Interboro School district in Pennsylvania for many years, as well as teaching piano lessons, singing in the church choir and accompanying various choirs on both piano and organ. She was a life long learner who loved to travel, read, and explore new places. As recently as last October she joined the family on the Camino Primitivo in Spain and then took a side trip on her own to visit friends from Arequipa who now live in France. She enjoyed being around people and was quick to make new friends, while simultaneously maintaining connections with old friends all over the world. She loved being with family and always made sure everyone was well fed!

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband (Peter) and her 2 sisters (Pat and Georgia).

Mary is survived by her 2 children, Melissa (Rich) and Tim (Jean), 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 10:00 at the Hyrum City Cemetery in Hyrum, UT. A memorial service will be held at Logan 1st Presbyterian Church in Logan, UT that day at 12:00; followed by a reception.

A celebration of life will be held at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church in Newtown Square, PA on August 2 at 10:00 AM, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Mary Burgess Education Recognition Fund: Care/of Melissa Greenwald, 360 River Road, Collegeville, PA 19426.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.