Mary was born on February 11, 1931 in Kansas City, MO. She was the daughter of  Melvin Wheeler and Annie Vreeland Wheeler. After high school, Mary worked and most recently had a career as a Pulmonary Care Technician at St. Mary's Hospital, now Trinity Hospital. Mary was joined in marriage with her late husband, Seth Thomas Allen. Together they were blessed with two sons, Gordon and Barry. In life Mary enjoyed spending time with her family but in her free time she also loved puzzle books.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Seth Allen; two sons, Gordon Allen and Barry Allen; and parents, Melvin and Annie Wheeler.