Mary L Perry

Mary L. Perry, 83, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024 in her home with family by her side.

A lifelong learner and educator, Mary held a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Utah. She worked in primary schools and universities, developed curriculum and faculty training for the Catholic school system, and taught on the Pine Ridge Oglala and Sioux reservation in South Dakota. She served on the national Board of Directors for the American Association of University Women, representing the organization at the NGO Forum/International Women’s Conference in Beijing, and at the Women in Business initiative in Moscow, advocating for women’s rights and education access.

She had a passion for world travel, reading, and animals. Later in life, she turned her love of animals into a new career. She owned and operated The Pet School and Hotel, and bred champion Westie show dogs. She founded Mount Olympus Aviaries, where she bred and cared for exotic birds. Known as “The Bird Lady”, she was a respected expert in the field. She had a profound connection to all the animals in her care, as well as the wild ones that visited her property daily.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Bernard A. Perry; siblings, Ruth Spears and Thomas Perry; nephew, Jeffrey Perry; and former husband, Ray Agutter. She is survived by her brother, Bernard J. Perry (Janis Spillman); nephews, Keith Perry (Trace), Chris Perry (Mary Margaret), Brian Perry (Adrienne Bach), and Thomas Perry, Jr. (Heidi); nieces, Virginia Brewer (Tim) and Michele Spears (Dave Bushnell); and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She will be remembered for her independence, loyalty, dry sense of humor, love of all creatures, and the everlasting imprint she leaves on those that love her.

A service to celebrate Mary’s life will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Newcomer, East Louisville Chapel (235 Juneau Drive). Following the service the family will receive friends at the funeral home until 4:00 pm that afternoon. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Rescue-Louisville facebook.com/ruffledfeathersparrot , or you local ASPCA.