Mary Lillian Garland, a Pacific Palisades resident for more than 50 years, passed away of heart failure at her home on August 26. She was 97. Garland was born on July 30, 1910 in Forth Worth, Texas, and attended public schools there. She received a scholarship to Texas Christian University, where she received her degree in religion with honors. In 1933, Mary Lil married William Garland, a West Point graduate and career Air Force officer who retired as brigadier general. In their early married life they spent two years in Panama and over the course of his career were assigned to over 20 Air Force bases. As a colonel, he helped to develop the bomb sight and opened new training bases in World War II. She was the base commander’s wife, helping orient the wives and families on each base. Mary Lil and Garland were married for 56 years until his death in 1991. She shared her life with Robert May for the last 10 years. They took their vows in 1996 and enjoyed a great relationship that included family visits and traveling until her stroke, then colon cancer. Mary Lil was very active in community and church activities. She was past president of the Palisades Woman’s Club, Palisades Garden Club and Palisades Ladybugs, and served on the board of the Palisades Historical Society and the Palisades League of Women Voters. Her activities with the Palisades Presbyterian Church over a 48-year period included director of the Sunday School for many years as well as serving as an elder, deacon and in other church groups. Garland was predeceased by her brothers, William and Winston. In addition to her husband Robert May, she is survived by her daughter Pamela of Rocklin, California; granddaughters Kim Enochs of Seattle and Cherrie Bingham of Austin; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 23, at 2 p.m. in Palisades Presbyterian Church, 15821 Sunset. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the church in her memory.
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