Mary Beatrice Morton Spencer

TUCSON, Ariz. — Mary Beatrice Morton Spencer, 97, passed away peacefully Thursday Jan. 8, 2026, at her home in Tucson.

She was born Feb. 16, 1928, in Olean, N.Y., to John J. and Florence Sigel Morton.

She grew up on South First Street in a home built by her grandfather and graduated from St. Elizabeth’s Academy and St. Bonaventure University.

Mary taught Spanish at Olean High School, then taught English for two years in Columbia, South America.

Upon her return she met Eugene Albert Spencer at an Elk’s Club dance and married him on Dec. 29, 1956, at St. Mary of the Angels. In addition to two children acquired by the marriage, she had three more daughters and at last another son.

Besides making a loving home for her brood, she and Gene created Gilded Cage Antiques in Hinsdale, where she specialized in old dolls, buttons and hat pins. The family moved to Tucson in 1971.

With great faith and a very giving spirit, Mary helped friends and strangers alike through donations and volunteer work. She particularly supported Casa Maria Soup Kitchen in Tucson in their food program and clothing drives. She also knitted clothing items for Newborns in Need.

Mary is survived by her children, Susan Clarke of Austin, Texas, Frank (Linda) Spencer of Tucson, Amy (Jon) Vance of San Diego, Calif., Eileen (Steve) McCarthy of Tucson, Ann (Brian) Wygle of Newbury Park, Calif. and Michael (Mary Sue Feldmeier) Spencer of Tucson. She was the proud matriarch of her grandchildren, Shailagh (Brian Temple) Clarke, Courtenay Clarke, John (Lisa Larue) Surina, Margaret Spencer, Jonathan (Wen Zou) Vance, Christopher (Aileen) Spencer, Kelly (Joy) McCarthy, Andrew Wygle, Sarah (Alex) Young and Ben (Jacqi) Spencer; and great-grandchildren, Claire, Caelan and Cormac Temple, Madeline Wright, Alamea and Luka Surina, Jordan Vance, Angel and Aaliyah Spencer and Chloe Young. Mary also leaves behind her sister-in-law and best friend since first grade, Kathleen “Kitty” Hannon Morton of Olean; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Gene on July 24, 1996; and two brothers, Jack and Richard Morton.

Services and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Mary’s memory and legacy. Further details will be provided to family and friends as they become available.

To honor Mary’s memory, you are invited to make a donation to Casa Maria, 352 E. 25th St., Tucson, AZ 85713, casamariatucson.org.