Mary Theresa Milar, born October 14, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, brought joy to her parents, Ray and Margaret, and to her siblings—three older brothers (Mark, Timothy, Michael) and her younger sister, Jennifer. In 1972, the Milar family moved to South Dakota, where Mary completed her GED in 1989, setting her on a path of service, adventure, and unwavering curiosity.

At 17, Mary joined the United States Navy, an accidental decision (the Marine recruiters were out to lunch), which blossomed into an 18-year career. Rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, she served the Navy as an Aviation Maintenance auditor with postings in Maine, Florida, Japan, Iceland, Diego Garcia, and San Diego. Her time in the Navy was marked by its uniqueness, such as donning shorts and a pith helmet in Diego Garcia, as part of her standard naval uniform.

After retiring in 1998, Mary continued to explore. She worked at Sharp Healthcare and the Pyxis Corporation, embraced entrepreneurship as a locksmith, and pursued education in the graphic design field. Her journey led her to a fulfilling role as a manager in a call center.

Mary's zest for life was infectious. She owned motorcycles and scooters, embraced running with three half-marathons and countless 5Ks, and participated in the Dana Point Turkey Trot eight times. An avid traveler, she visited many national parks, the islands of  Hawaii, and played golf on military courses in and around San Diego.

Her heart never strayed far from the Navy, cherishing visits to military bases, delighting in sharing these experiences with others. At home, she found joy in cooking, collecting kitchen gadgets, and treasured the companionship of her pets—especially Buddy, her beloved dog.

Mary passed away on August 16, 2026, after a brave battle with cancer, at the age of 62. She lived a life rich with stories, connections, and adventures, leaving behind cherished memories with family and friends. Mary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for the incredible journey she shared with those who knew her.