Mary Nicol Harvey, beloved wife, mother, sister, teacher, singer, dog lover, and proud daughter of Appalachia, passed away at the age of 86.
Mary Nic was born on October 9, 1939, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Norma James Asher and Edward O’Hara Asher. She came into the world with a sharp mind, a strong voice, and, as anyone who knew her would later learn, very clear opinions.
A gifted student, Mary Nic graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1957. She went on to Georgetown College, where she double majored in English and French and graduated summa cum laude in 1961 — because apparently one major, one language, and ordinary academic honors would not have been enough. She later earned her master’s degree from Indiana University.
In 1962, Mary Nic married William Harvey, beginning a marriage and partnership that lasted more than sixty years. Together they built a full and loving life, raised their son, Brian O’Neal Harvey, and somehow survived the many adventures, arguments, household projects, family stories, and Scottish terriers that come with six decades of marriage.
Mary Nic spent her career as a media specialist with Richmond Community Schools, where she shared her love of books, language, and ideas with generations of students. She believed deeply in education, proper grammar, and the idea that a library was one of the best places a person could be.
She also loved to sing. Mary Nic was an accomplished vocalist and appeared in many musical productions over the years. Her voice was beautiful, expressive, and strong — much like Mary Nic herself. Whether onstage or at home, she had a way of making herself heard.
Mary Nic was very proud of her Appalachian heritage, and she carried that pride with her throughout her life. She came from a place and a people known for resilience, humor, storytelling, music, and a healthy skepticism of anyone who thought they were too important. Mary Nic inherited all of that and used it well.
She was also, proudly and unmistakably, a Scottish terrier person. Over the years, Mary Nic was the devoted owner of five Scotties, each one loved, spoiled, and likely given more household authority than was strictly advisable. If there is a heaven, Mary Nic has already found the dogs and reorganized the place to suit them.
For the last nine years, Mary Nic and Bill lived in the Palm Springs–Palm Desert area of Southern California, where they made a home together in the warmth and beauty of the desert.
Mary Nic is survived by her husband, William Harvey; her son, Brian Harvey, and his husband, Anthony Brooks of Los Angeles; and her sister, Nancy Katherine Munro of Missoula, Montana. She was preceded in death by her brother, Patrick O’Hara Asher.
To those who loved her, Mary Nic will be remembered not just for what she accomplished, but for who she was: brilliant, musical, funny, proud, loyal, opinionated, loving, and entirely herself. She had high standards, a deep love of family, and enough personality to fill any room she entered.
She leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, love, and very healthy dogs. She will be missed more than words can say — though she would probably have edited those words first.
In honor of Mary Nic’s lifelong love of dogs, the family asks that anyone wishing to make a memorial donation consider giving to a local animal shelter, dog rescue organization, or the ASPCA.