Mary Son Pesco's Obituary
Mary Son Pesco (nee Son, Unkyo) age 92, passed away peacefully in Lakewood, Washington on
December 11th, 2023.
Driven by her indomitable spirit and a profound passion for life and learning, she accomplished
many of her goals and fulfilled many of her dreams. Mary was born in Seoul, Korea on February
17th, 1931 to Son, Sei Young and Pyo, Sung Soo. During an era when few women were permitted
to pursue higher education, she defied norms by attending EWHA Womans University at the age of
15 where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, marking a testament to her
determination and perseverance. In 1956 she met her husband Peter while living in Tokyo. A year
later they were married in Seoul, Korea, and shortly thereafter they moved to the United States
where they began raising a family. Her unyielding call to personal growth and unwavering
commitment to education eventually led her to New York University where she earned her Master’s
Degree in Occupational Therapy in 1981. Upon retiring from a successful career as an Occupational
Therapist at the VA Hospital in Northport, NY, and as a hand specialist in private practice, she
continued to pursue her lifelong dream of earning a Doctoral Degree in Medicine, which she
completed at the University of Miyazaki in Japan at the age of 76. Throughout her journey, she had
many opportunities to advocate for and champion those seeking support and assistance,
highlighting her unwavering dedication to uplifting others. While attending classes as a Ph.D.
student at the University of Miyazaki she also taught classes and conducted research at Kyushu
University of Health and Welfare in Nobeoka City. During this same time, she worked with the
Korean Association of Occupational Therapists to help establish their presence in the World
Federation of Occupational Therapists. She was instrumental in advocating for their inclusion in this
organization.
Mary is survived by her husband of 66 years, Peter Pesco, her four children Jeanette Pesco (Peter
Kreiling), Paul Pesco (Tatiana Rocha Pesco), Theresa Pesco-Alexander (Bret Alexander), Pamela
Nevar (Warren Nevar), and her grandchildren Harley, Griffon, Garret, Sal, Aurora, and Stella.
Mary was a skilled artist, painter, potter, inventor, seamstress, scholar, and an excellent cook. She
loved comedy and Chopin, volleyball and watching ice skating competitions. She was active in
Rotary International and founded the Korean Gift of Life Organization in cooperation with the Rotary
Gift of Life program.
Although Mary was at times quiet and stubborn, she was also incredibly funny, generous, and felt a
deep desire to help those in need live their best life. She will be missed dearly and she leaves this
world a better place than she found it. May she rest in love and peace.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?