Mary Cranston

With sadness, yet a sense of peace, the family of Mary Seaver (Verner) Cranston would like to announce her passing at the age of 92 into the arms of Jesus on September 30, 2025. Mary was born on November 10, 1932, in Albany, New York, where she was welcomed into the world by her parents, Ethel Seaver Verner and James Verner as well as her older brother James.

Mary spent most of her formative years in Toledo, Ohio, where she was a classically trained pianist and was recognized and applauded for her perfect pitch and mastery of the ivories. After high school graduation she headed to Wilson College where she majored in music and met many lifelong friends. Spurred on by her uncle Leif Verner and a touch of wanderlust, she transferred to The University of Idaho where she found a host of new friends and her beloved husband Allan. Mary and Allan married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 1953. Shortly thereafter, Allan was called upon to serve his country in the Korean war. While he was away, Mary gave birth to their first born Elizabeth Boyd in Toledo, Ohio. Upon Allan's return, and his recollection of the cold winter in Korea, the Cranstons relocated to south Florida, settling in Miami.

After six years in Miami, and the birth of their second child, William Vincent, Allan got a job opportunity in Ft Lauderdale and off they went. While there they had another son, Eric Allan. During those early Ft. Lauderdale years, Mary spent most of her time as a busy homemaker involved with their three children. Life in Ft. Lauderdale was rewarding as the business thrived and they were able to build their dream house, decorated beautifully with art they had collected. The new neighborhood opened the door to wonderful friends who, in turn, became lifelong friends. After the nest was empty and Allan developed life altering health problems, Mary and Allan decided it was time for a change, and in the early nineties moved to Hoover, Alabama, to escape the heat and hustle bustle of Ft. Lauderdale and to be closer to their grandchildren.

In Hoover Mary and Allan enjoyed southern hospitality and the new terrain, so different from south Florida. They settled in to their neighborhood and their church, Chapel in the Pines. Church provided an opportunity to meet wonderful friends and gave Mary the chance to play the piano when needed.

Allan's health continued to decline and Mary took care of him, faithfully visiting him at the VA nursing home until his passing in 2012.

Blessed with beautiful blonde hair and clear blue eyes, Mary was often compared to beauties of yesteryear, especially since she wore her hair in the same style for most of her life. She truly didn't realize what a head turner she was! Her beauty was only superseded by her intelligence and sharp mind, which she kept even until the very end.

Along with her love for the piano and music of all kinds, Mary adored all things Vermont and was a lifelong Anglophile who was fortunate enough to visit England several times with Allan and her parents.

After beating breast cancer at an early age, Mary was blessed with good health for most of her adult life and didn't suffer long in the end. For that we are all thankful.

Mary is survived by her three children and spouses Elizabeth and Jerry Nowell of Hoover, AL, William and Mary Sue (Newkirk) Cranston of Ponte Vedra, FL and Eric and Jennifer (Jordan) Cranston of Columbia, TN. Mary is also survived by nine grandchildren: Matthew Nowell, Zachary Nowell, Juliana (Cranston) Schlosser, Sarah (Cranston) Arteno, Karen (Cranston) Potteiger, Jack, Kyle, Brian and Joshua Cranston. She was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Stella, Grey, and Eliana. Mary is also survived by her late brother's wife Ann Verner, and her dear niece and nephew, Mary and Jim.

Visitation will take place at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, AL, on October 9, 2025, from 10-11 AM followed by a memorial celebration. A private burial is scheduled for 1:15 PM at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo where she will join Allan in their final resting place.