Mary Severe McLean

     Mary Agnes Severe peacefully passed away on April 13, 2023, at the age of 79 years old.

     She was born on January 28, 1944 in Gooding and raised there where her mother was a school teacher at Gibbons elementary school.

     After graduation from Gooding High school, she attended Albion Normal School and from there lived for a short time in Reno. After which she returned to Idaho, married Phil Burley and had three daughters. In her forties she then married her second husband James McLean. Eventually she settled in the Hagerman area and lived the remainder of her years there and enjoyed her friends, painting, fishing and spending time with her granddaughters.  

     Mary was a painter and photographer; she was celebrated for her photography and journalism on the front page of the Gooding County Leader in the 80's. She was well known throughout the Magic Valley. Proud of her heritage of the camas prairie and the many fond memories of her grandparents’ home ranch on east Willow Creek. She enjoyed visiting about her life and family with friends and acquaintances about the many adventures she had with her parents as her father cut many new roads in the mountains above Fairfield and his mining explorations.

     One of her fondest memories was how her grandmother would always have a big bread bowl of pop-corn on the kitchen table that had been made on an old wood cook stove.

     She reconnected with her love of camping and exploring the last few years of her life. In August of '21 her family made a trip to the City of Rocks where she insisted on "roughing it" and spent the trip in her own tent with small amenities. She was thrilled to share her knowledge of geology and memories of her father on that trip. 

     Mary is survived by the loving community of Hagerman; her three daughters - Shannon Burley (Jeff), Rayna Burley Neil (Steve), Ovvie Burley Bray (Jason); one grandson - Adrian Carlson; three great grandsons - Alexzander Carlson, Easton Carlson, Maverick Carlson; two granddaughters - Kyta Sellers (Terrell Wise) and Hadies Sellers; her four nephews - Larry Severe, Terry Severe, Mark Severe and Marvin Severe; great niece - Emilee Anne Severe; and four young ladies that adopted Mary whom she loved dearly - Holly, Jill, Chastity and Charity. 

Mary very much was looking forward to meeting Atlis Wise who should arrive any day. 

     She was preceded in death by her parents, mother - Agnes Thurber Severe, father - Raymond Lawrence Severe Sr.; brother - Lawrence Raymond Severe Jr, his wife - Bernice Owings Severe; nephews - Raylyn Severe, Rick and Rod Mangum; grandson - Shane Michael Neil; and various dear friends that have left before her.

     The family will have a private memorial on Willow Creek when weather permits.

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

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