Mary Lynn Bures was born 13 Oct 1950 to Howard and Maxine Morris in Sterling, CO where she grew up with her brother Paul. Mary attended Cottey College in Nevada, MO and graduated from Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, OK.
Mary married Stephen Bures on 23 July 1972 and had two daughters, Kristin and Kelley and made Oklahoma City their home. Mary started her career as a teacher but found her true calling as an Artisan with her own company, A Grand Scale. Mary started making miniature teddy bears and petit point needlework as a way of staying home to be with her two daughters as they grew up.
A move to the Chicago area opened many new opportunities for her business. After over 25 years, Mary has her bears all over the world. At one point, scheduling 13 shows a year selling her bears and needle work to her following of collectors and miniature enthusiasts. She has been recognized by IGMA as a Fellow and has numerous articles written about her and her craft.
Mary fought and won her battle with breast cancer in 2000. In 2006, Mary was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer. After two years of positive thinking and determination, Mary was taken by the cancer.
Among the many relationships Mary had, she was a wife, mother, sister, Gram, cousin and best girlfriend. To anyone that met her, she was one of the sweetest women, and her relationship with Steve was a true love story. She will be remembered for her spirit, the warmth she gave to others and her strength to fight for the good in life.
Mary is survived by her husband Stephen, daughters Kristin and Kelley, brother Paul, sons-in-law Rick and Jason and grandsons Ricky and Chase.