JACKSONVILLE  -  Mary Louise Thomas St.Clair, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, registered nurse, friend, and volunteer, passed away peacefully in Jacksonville, North Carolina. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Infant of Prague Catholic Church.  A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall

Born on June 4, 1940, in Pasadena, California, Mary was the eldest child of the late Louise and Edward Thomas. She graduated from St. Andrew's High School in Pasadena and the Queen of Angels School of Nursing in Los Angeles, California. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Major James J. St.Clair; her brother, Robert "Bob" Thomas; her sister, Janet Elizabeth Laurence; and her son-in-law, Joe Moriarty. She is survived by her sister, Annie Thomas (Dean) Prosser; her five children, Patti St.Clair Terrel, James J. St.Clair (Karen), Stephen St.Clair (Heather), Kristen St.Clair Moriarty, and David St.Clair (Linda); twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren—with two more expected this year; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary devoted her career to nursing, specializing in mental health and psychiatric care at Brynn Marr Hospital. She also contributed to nursing education and training at Coastal Carolina Community College. In retirement, Mary continued her life of service as a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross. Over the years, she received numerous awards for her volunteer work, including recognition from the Onslow County Chapter of the Red Cross, the 3rd Congressional District of North Carolina, and President Obama's Volunteer Service Award in 2014. Her service included twelve deployments for disaster relief across the United States.

Family and friends will remember her love of the beach, ice cream, bird watching, and pansies. Mary was funny, witty, and unapologetically blunt. Beneath her candor was a servant's heart and a generous spirit—always ready to support and encourage others and express sincere gratitude.

As a final act of generosity, Mary made an anatomical donation to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to  American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services.