The Statesman Journal newspaper published a photograph of Mary Eyre at a party celebrating her 101st birthday. The sparkle in her eye testified to the fact that this long-time Salem teacher and political activist had lost none of her energy and wit.

Although her vision failed and she had to have the local newspaper and Sports Illustrated magazine read to her in her later years, Eyre retained her lifelong interests and was known for her outspoken comments on the world as she saw it. A former student, Mary Farmer Linkhart said, "She was never understated. She didn't mince words. Nobody really argued with Miss Eyre."

Mary Eyre came to Salem in 1904 when she was six years old. She graduated from Willamette University in 1918. She began her teaching career in Salem in 1922 and continued until her retirement in 1962. For nineteen of those years, she was chairman of the social studies departments at North Salem High School and Salem High School.

Eyre interpreted, explained, and gave life to history and government, economics, and sociology. Her interest in good government and her ability to laugh at herself contributed to her effectiveness in Salem's local government. She was a precinct committee woman (it was said she "didn't like blank spaces on the ballot") and ran unsuccessfully as the Democratic candidate for the State Senate in 1962. (I) "wanted to try out some the things I had been teaching over the years," she commented. 

A list of her civic contributions is lengthy. She twice served as president of the Marion County Historical Society as well as president of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters She held a leadership position in the drive to preserve historic Deepwood Estate and was an active member of Knight Memorial United Church of Christ.

She belonged to the National Council of Social Studies, the American Association of University Women, Marion County Tuberculosis and Health Association, American Civil Liberties Union, American Association for the United Nations, American Field Services Organization, and the YWCA.
She received the Salem Distinguished Service Award in 1973 and was the first female commencement speaker at Willamette University in 1975. The Salem-Keizer School District named an elementary school in her honor. 

 "Miss Eyre" died in 1999 in a Salem retirement home shortly after her 101st birthday. Outspoken and outgoing, she surrounded herself with people of all ages. Mary Eyre never considered herself old, and neither did anyone who knew her. 

Compiled by Virginia Green.

Bibliography:
Kristen Green. "Mary Eyre celebrates 101 years." Statesman Journal p. 1c January 17, 2000

David Duniway. "Mary Eyre" Panegyric January 15, 1972

Abe Estimada. "Longtime educator honored at memorial." Statesman Journal, page 1c. January, 2000.