Mary Vásquez

Mary Suzanna Vásquez was born on October 16, 1942, in Bronxville, New York, the only child of Gladys Summy Lundale and Jerrold W. Lundale. She grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she spent many happy hours swimming with friends in Lake St. Clair and ice-skating in the winter. When she graduated from GPHS, Mary already knew that the Spanish language and the study of Hispanic cultures would be important parts of her life. She studied at Florida State University, then earned a doctorate in Romance Languages & Literatures at the University of Washington. There began a 50-year teaching career, and a research career that carried through to the final article she submitted for publication only two weeks before her death.

In 1975, Mary joined the faculty of Arizona State University, where she met Angel Vásquez, whom she married just over a year later. They had two daughters, Suzanna and Anamaría (Mia). She always saw motherhood as her highest calling. Mary often said that after her family, teaching was her great passion. Mary taught at Arizona State, Michigan State, and Davidson College, where she held the Joel O. Conarroe Professorship from its creation until her retirement in 2016, after 20 years at the college. Mary loved the joy of the classroom and her work with students outside the classroom, as well. She maintained correspondence with many former students.

Mary was an optimist to her marrow and approached life with a profound sense of wonder she never lost. Her pleasure in the rustling of leaves was as genuine as the magic she experienced exploring medieval cobble-stoned streets in Spain. She was an avid reader in both Spanish and English. She loved to travel and always had her next couple of trips in mind. 

Mary is survived by her two beloved daughters, Suzanna and Mia, and her dear son-in-law, Lane. Services will be held on November 14, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St., Davidson, NC 28036. Those who would like to make a donation in Mary’s honor might consider Carolina Waterfowl Rescue or Siembra NC.