Mary graduated from Miss Madeira’s Preparatory School in Virginia and Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, traveled abroad extensively and lived in Paris for a time before settling in Scottsdale Arizona in 1955. She worked first for Lymann’s Furnishings Store, then was hired by the Est Est design firm in 1965. She co-designed the Arizona Room for the 1965 World’s Fair, and did design work for many well known clients and organizations including the Rancho de los Caballeros dude ranch in Wickenburg, and the Paradise Valley Country Club.

Mary met Robert Barton around 1961, by the pool at their apartment complex, when she handed him her shoes, then jumped into the pool with her clothes on! Robert was an engineer, consultant to the U.S. Navy and NASA, and a very successful businessman specializing in mergers and acquisitions. They married after a seven year courtship on January 6, 1968, at a small ceremony in the Weems living room in Quincy. The ceremony was even delayed that day, by signing papers for the purchase of their home. Chink Weems made a joke about getting his shotgun to find Bob, and Mr. Barton’s retort was lost in the laughter!

 Mary and Robert continued to travel and loved to entertain. They also loved classical music, and Mary was an avid baseball enthusiast. Willie Mays was her hero, and they cheered at many baseball games, in Arizona and other locations. They also emphasized patriotism. They flew the American flag on a pole at their home every single day, even enlisting friends or neighbors to put up and take down the flag whenever they were away. They had a villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, next to Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, and once were serenaded by a mariachi band that was meant to surprise Richard Burton!

They lived with purpose, and according to the eulogy written by their nephew, Daniel Dugan, the theme of each moment was grace. They had no children of their own, but adored their nephews and were wonderful friends and relatives. Daniel related stories of “being given Aunt Mary’s 1963 Chevy Nova convertible,” and of “being petrified to give Aunt Mary a gift for her house knowing that her taste was so impeccable, and then seeing that very gift hang in their dining room for the past 20 years.” Robert’s sister Marion related a story of Mary and a few dear friends celebrating birthdays together. “One of Mary’s turns happened to be on the day a movie I was in opened. The thought of those designer-dressed ladies sitting here watching this certified hag is too funny. Add to that, Mary announced loudly & proudly, ‘That’s my sister-in-law!’ to any & all nearby.”

 Mary and Robert Barton died tragically in an automobile accident near Ouray, Colorado, on October 3, 1996. They left a legacy of wonderful memories to all who knew them, and of generous support for community organizations, including the Quincy Public Library.

Did you know Mary? The Library is currently collecting stories about Mary Weems Barton from those who knew her.  To share your story, please email us.