Mary Barnett grew up in Baltimore’s Shrine of the Little Flower Parish, attended Seton High School, and graduated from Towson State Teachers College in 1971. After teaching second grade for two years, she became a full-time mother of two boys and a girl. Slowly, she returned to teaching. First, as a volunteer, next as a substitute, and finally, as a full-time teacher. She ended her career as a reading specialist at Pine Grove Middle School in Baltimore County. Mary was an amazing person with a gift for teaching. She shared her love for learning with her students and made a lasting impression on their lives. She always had a positive attitude about education, life, and the people around her. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She fought hard but eventually lost her battle against cancer. Mary died of uterine sarcoma on September 6, 2002, at the age of 55.