Mary Page Runk

Mary Page Runk August 31, 1924 - April 21, 2015 Mary Page Runk died peacefully at home Tuesday night surrounded by family. She was born in Newport, RI on August 31, 1924. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Arthur H. Runk, Sr., daughter, Mary Page Press (Herb) and sons, Arthur H. Runk, Jr. (Janet), Christopher Runk (Roberta) and Paul Bradley Runk (Kim), as well as eight grandchildren, Melissa Wolsoncroft (John), Kelly Levy (Rodney), Jenna McDonald (Jakub), Tyler Runk, Kyle Runk, Crystal Shirley (Michael), Allie Patrou (Scott), Mandy Murdock (Kyle), and three great grandchildren, Knox Wolsoncroft, Meghan Wolsoncroft and Ella Levy. Mary's father was a commander in the Navy and she spent most of her early years at various West coast naval cities, having attended 17 different schools prior to her high school graduation. All of this moving around helped her to develop an extremely outgoing and friendly personality. At the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, her father was stationed on the light cruiser, Honolulu, docked in Pearl Harbor. She, her mother and brother, Jack, were in an apartment in Honolulu. After graduating from high school, she was accepted to nursing school, but feeling her patriotic call of duty, she went to work for the Army in Long Beach, CA instead. When her father was transferred to the Supervisor of Ship Building office on Neville Island, PA, She went along and worked for the Navy at that office. It was there that she met her husband, Lieutenant j.g. Arthur H. Runk USNR. They were married in 1945. After the war ended, they lived on Long Island, NY for four years, while her husband commuted to work on Wall Street. In 1950, she, her husband and their two children moved to St. Augustine. She had a strong Christian faith, belonging to St. Anastasia Catholic Church, and had previously served on the Cathedral Church Council. She volunteered for many organizations. She was a member of the Junior Service League and served as president in 1955. She served as chairman of Flagler Hospital's Candy Striper Auxiliary as well as a Bluebird and Cub Scout leader. She graciously represented the City of St. Augustine as First Lady during her husband's term as Mayor of St. Augustine from 1973 to 1975. An avid golfer, she served as president of the Ponce De Leon Women's Golf Association, as well as making two holes in one during her many years of playing. She was co-captain of the Atlantic Beach and Tennis Club Ladies B team, and achieved a black belt in Tang Soo Do Karate. With all four of her children being alumni of the University of Florida, Mary was a very enthusiastic Gator fan. She enjoyed traveling with her family and many friends. In recent years, she enjoyed playing bridge with her longtime friends. She will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015 at St. Anastasia Catholic Church with Father Tom Willis officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.