Mary Halley Furr

Mary Halley Furr

Mary Halley Furr, 75, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours on February 1st, ending her long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was born in County Sligo, Ireland, the oldest of three children of the late Kathleen Shryane and William Halley. A graduate of Lenox Hill Nursing School in New York and St. Agnes Hospital School of Anesthesia in Philadelphia, Mary relocated to Miami in 1956, where she worked as a nurse anesthetist at St. Francis Hospital, North Miami General Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, Palm Springs Hospital, North Shore Hospital and Baptist Hospital. She retired as Chief CRNA of Kendall Anesthesia Associates in 1996 and relocated to Cashiers, NC where she maintained a residence with her husband, Dr. Walter E. Furr, Jr. Mrs. Furr was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush as a volunteer for the Ombudsman Program for Long Term Care in Crystal River, FL and was also a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the Republican Club of Citrus County and the Alumnae Association of Lenox Hill Hospital School of Nursing. In the words of her friends, "Mary blazed the trail for many a CRNA", "She had a way about her that put everyone at ease while at the same time being a very effective leader, role model, and mentor", "We, as friends, are extraordinarily lucky to have had part of our lives shared with your Mom and Gene. Those times have certainly added to the value of our lifetime." Mary was a unique and inspiring woman who touched the lives of all those she came into contact with. She will be missed as a mother, sister, wife and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Walter E. Furr, Jr., her brother, Thomas Halley, her son, Kenneth W. O'Keefe, daughters, Katherine M. Honey and Karyn I. Cunningham and her loving grandchildren, Megan, Cameron and Brennan.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 12 at 10:00 AM at: Bryant-Grant Funeral Home 105 West Main Street Franklin, NC 28734
Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Flowers can be sent to Bryant-Grant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Palmer Trinity School Annual Fund in memory of Mary Halley Furr. To make a donation online, please visit the website at https://www.palmertrinity.org/ or contact the Director of Development at Palmer Trinity School, Mr. Ben Hoke at 305-969-4244.