Mary Hendron McIntyre of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Mary was born on April 4, 1954. She is survived by her husband Gerry McIntyre, her sister, Geralyn Eckhard and her many beloved nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert (Chick) and Louise Hendron, and by her two brothers Robert and Timothy.
Mary attended Bishop DuBourg High School and after she graduated from college she went to work for Warner Bros. Studios, promoting cable television throughout the Midwest. Mary then worked for the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, where she promoted St. Louis City and County tourism and worked with travel media all around the world. Mary was a co-founder of Insight PR St. Louis, which she ran until she had to retire due to illness.
Mary was a witty, fun and spirited person who had many passions. Foremost among them was the St. Louis Cardinals. She attended many games with her father and sister and founded a fan club for her favorite player, Tim McCarver. Books, movies and music were other passions. Mary was always happy listening to her favorite performer, Bruce Springsteen.
Mary loved to travel and to experience new people, places and things. She travelled extensively in North and South America, Europe and the Far East. But she was always happy to return to her beloved St. Louis.
Mary was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile would light up the whole room. She cared deeply for the people around her. She was so kind and generous. She made an impact on the lives of the people she met. She will be forever missed.
Because of Mary’s love for her cats — the late Tulip, Lewis & Clarke, and Tommy in particular — we ask that any memorials be directed to the Animal Protective Association (APA) in her name.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Saturday, January 6, 2024, between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Mary hired me for a college internship at the Kiel Auditorium during summer of 1986. It was my first time further away from home and I was very shy. She immediately took me under her wing and was a total mother hen. She made sure I got to experience so much about St. Louis and taught me so much. Thinking back now at how painfully shy I was, she had her work cut out for her. She was the most lovely person and will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m so very sorry to hear of her passing. Sending lots of love to her family and of course to Gerry- who she had just started dating not too long before that summer. She was definitely a special woman!!
St. Louis – and the Cards – have lost their biggest booster. And I’ve lost a good friend. Mary always bent over backwards to help travel writers like me get everything we needed to get great stories. I treasure the times we spent together – and getting to know Gerry and the cats and see her beautiful garden. Blessed rest and reward, Mary!
Mary was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was one of the most thoughtful people I have been privileged to know. So very sorry to hear of her passing.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.
It was such a treat, and fun, to know Mary.
Her personality was infectious.
She is the definition of a true warrior. Hers was the noblest of fights.
Mary will be missed by so many that knew her, but NEVER forgotten.
Rest in peace sweet Mary.
My husband and I were among the many travel writers Mary worked with over the years. Although I have family in St. Louis, I learned more about the city and developed a greater passion for the Cardinals because of my friendship with Mary.
Sweet rest dear friend and say hello to Tim McCarver and Stan Musial for me.
What a brave, courageous, spirited woman!! And so beloved by her family!!
Mary was my very spirited classmate at Bishop DuBourg 1968-1972. A good friend, always good for a laugh. Ironically, she had written my sister Carole Moody’s beautifully written obituary when she died in 2012. (Carole had been her supervisor at the Convention and Visitors Commission before she retired.)
My condolences to her family. What a bright spirit she was!
Mary
I will miss you everyday.
You are the kindest person I know.
I was at the St. Louis Zoo for many years and loved working with Mary. She was smart and fun and delightful. She brought us many travel and science writers over the years. Most of all, she loved and understood St. Louis.
There are not enough good words to describe Mary. She will be missed everyday and remembered fondly by all who knew her. I hope everyone will reach out and help Gerry (Mac) through this transition because he is the one who will miss her most and must start a new chapter. Mary would have been more worried about him than herself because that was Mary. I love you Mac and hope you find comfort in the memories of all you had with such an amazing woman. We were all lucky to know and love her but you got to create a life with her. Condolences my dear friend.
I had the pleasure of working with Mary at the convention center in the 80’s. She was warm, funny, and a little bit sarcastic which made for a good time. Godspeed beautiful!