March 3, 1955 - June 26, 2009

Mary Linda Borthwick, 54, became our angel Friday following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born to Stewart and Patricia (Israel) Burton in Tillamook, and was raised in Albany. She loved to ride horses and write poetry for her school paper.

On March 13, 1971, she married the love of her life, Ralph J. Borthwick. She said it was one of the happiest days of her life, next to the birth of her two daughters and four grandchildren.

Her children and grandchildren fondly remember her sharing her love of crafts, games and reading. She enjoyed being a mom and grandma, spending endless time with her family, creating lasting memories. The love and pride she felt for them, especially her grandchildren, always shined through her face.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, courage and unending love. Her love of life was contagious and she made every moment count, always thinking of others first. She was loving and thoughtful, and a source of encouragement to all her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years; her parents; sisters Tonya Sharr and Sandra Saner; daughters Diana and husband David Beal, and Deborah and husband Thomas Park; four grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, and Mama Betty.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors in Salem. Visitation is today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private interment will be at the Willamette National Cemetery.