In Memory
HALSTED, Mary Pierce, of Richmond, died February 5, 2019, at the age of 69 of ovarian cancer, surrounded at home by family and friends. She was born August 22, 1949, to the late Anna Laura Stephenson Halsted; and the late Bruce Cushman Halsted. She is survived by her husband, David Raymond Smith; her sons, Matthew Jeffrey Seidensticker and William Charles Seidensticker; her stepdaughter, Valley Jane Haggard (Stan); one grandson, Henry Elijah Sterling Haggard; and her sisters, Margaret Halsted Reynolds (Lawrence) and Jane Halsted DeCosky (John). She was a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she raised her young sons and made lifelong friends. After she completed her degree, she returned to her hometown of Richmond. Mary had a career in the field of human resource management. She worked many years and retired from Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital as Human Resources Manager. She served a term as president and held several other statewide offices in the Virginia Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration. In 2011, she received the Bon Secours Dedicated Service Award for Bon Secours Richmond Health System. The annual award is given to recognize an employee who has demonstrated an untiring commitment to living the Bon Secours values and mission and has consistently been "good help to those in need." Mary was a generous and gentle person and was loved by many. She was a devoted mother, shepherding her sons and stepdaughter through the storms of adolescence and reveling in their achievements and joys. Mary never forgot a name or a face and had a genuine interest in every person and animal she ever met. She was a lady of grace and beauty with incredible inner strength. The family wishes to thank the medical staff of St. Mary's Hospital; her dear friend, Cheryl McCloud; and Bon Secours Hospice, who nursed her through her illness. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 12, at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Road, Richmond, Va., with Reverend Mary Kay Collins officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made in her name to CancerDancer, P.O. Box 7416, Richmond Va. 23221, Faces of Hope NOCC, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences at mary-halsted.forevermissed.com.
Thomas G. Bles
Pierce;
You were and are the most, self assured, intellegent, and beautiful girl,a and woman I have ever had the pleasure of being close to. You always called the "shots" during our long, over 50 years with gaps in between relating to each other. I know your sisters will miss you especially "Cushy". Take care in heaven.
Always "T"
Janet Darvas
Pierce was kind and friendly to all her classmates regardless of their "clique" or social standing. I wasn't surprised to learn that she continued that kindness into her future through her career and raising her family. Other than a few conversations in classes, I didn't know her well. However, after reading Tom B.'s comments, I can see that she was an even more special person than I thought back then. My condolences to her family and friends.
Deborah Rockenstein (Northrop)
Benjamin Lupica
Requiescat in pace, Mary Halsted.
Lesa Jones (Powsey)
I am saddened by this news. I remember walking to & from school with Pierce sometimes. She was solid, gentle, and kind. She had more memories than I do about our escapades, as she shared with me when we connected through this site awhile back. I regret that we didn't stay in touch; I'm sure she had wisdom & life-lessons to share. I'm so sorry for her close friends and family to have lost such a special lady through cancer. It sounds like she lived well and has left a legacy.
Lathrop (Lathie) Brown (Poole)
Hey Pierce. So sorry to miss you at the last reunion. Didn’t know you were there till after I was home. I have warm and wonderful memories of you. Our Southern Belle on the phone calling home: “Mama why do you DO me this way?!” You and Ellen were inseparable. Who can forget us acting like groupies for the Tree Stumps at the American Legion Post dances? Your tears when the beautician cut a FOOT off of your gorgeous hair? Your brave speech to the whole school when you ran for office? You were a great lady and I was lucky to know you when I did. Your life was remarkable and so were you. Love and a fond farewell. Lathie
Walter C. (Chas) Mayo
I was sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I sat next to her in Mr. Burford’ senior English class. Mary was one of the friendliest persons I’ve ever met. In reading her obituary the world will be a poorer place without her. RIP Mary. Chas Mayo
Dennis W. Keyes
I remember Mr Burfords English class well. Pierce was always the top of the class. Very polite, very proper, but friendly to all at the same time. She was always a very generous person especially with her smile. She will be greaatly missed.