Mary Catherine Bishop of Burns, 81, passed away peacefully on Nov. 14, 2022 at Harney District Hospital, within view of the very road she grew up on. 

Mary was born on Jan. 25, 1941 to James and Ina McDonnell, six weeks early on their kitchen table in Burns. She graduated from Burns High School in 1959. Mary then attended EOU at the insistence of her mother, where she met her first husband Roger Damewood. 

As Roger’s schooling continued, Mary would give birth to their son, David. As a result, Mary worked long hours both to support her family, but also to put Roger through school. After Roger’s graduation, they would have their two daughters. During their marriage, they moved many times to accommodate Roger’s job in the lumber industry. During this time, one of the few constants in her life was her love of tennis. Eventually the two divorced and Roger passed shortly after. 

In 1979, she was introduced to Boyd Bishop who would become her husband. Boyd brought four kids of his own to the family. Boyd and Mary would spend 42 years raising their blended family on dairy farms throughout the state, being the last grade A dairy in Douglas County. 

Mary was always hosting lively parties, be it with family or friends. In 2014, due to Boyd’s declining health, Mary and Boyd would move back to Burns, where they would remain a loving cornerstone for their family. In 2021, Boyd would pass away. Mary would spend the rest of her time on this earth in the care of her daughter, Sheri, and her family. 

Some of Mary’s favorite activities were attending church on Sunday with her grandson, Bradley, going to town for ice cream whenever she could, watching NCIS: Los Angeles while eating a hershey bar, and spending time with her great grandchildren, Emmett (6) and Callee (8 months). 

She is survived by her son, David (Carrie) Damewood; daughters, Sheri (Ron) Dickson, Jodi (Brian) Doud; step children; granddaughters, Cati (Lee) Thumberg, Courtney Doud; grandson, Bradley Dickson; great-grandson, Emmett Thumberg; and great-granddaughter, Callee Thumberg.

A rosary will be held on Nov. 29, 2022 at 7 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Burns. 

A funeral mass will be held Nov. 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, luncheon to follow.

Donations can be made to Harney Country Save-a-Stray.