Obituary for Mary Louise Fonda

Mary Louise Fonda, long time resident of Andrews, NC, passed away peacefully on February 18th, 2023 after a short illness. She was 80. She is now reunited with Ronald “Hank” Fonda, her beloved husband of more than 60 years. Mary is survived by her sons Dirk Fonda, of Novi, MI, Rolf and Brandt Fonda of Andrews, NC, and her seven grandchildren, Branson, Ryan, Magnus, Elise, Anna, Hailey and Stefan Fonda.

Mary was born in Euclid, OH. She moved to Florida with her mother, Louise Mayfield, and her sister, Julianne. Mary received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in Education, with a concentration in Speech Therapy. After marrying Hank in 1964, they continued to reside in Florida. Mary also joined Hank as a journeyman carpenter, doing concrete work to build many large buildings and condominiums in Florida. She was a ground breaker in being one of the first women to officially join the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

Mary and Hank relocated to Andrews with their family in 1978. After briefly working as a carpenter, Mary shifted careers to become a librarian. She stated work at Andrews Public Library in 1980. When the opportunity arose in 1991, Mary transferred to become the Branch Librarian of Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville. Mary had a passion for being a librarian. She was deeply engaged and welcoming to all of the library’s patrons. Mary was a visionary for how a library should contribute to the local community. She loved spending time researching, helping the community and engaging with people of different backgrounds. She worked hard to grow the library, supported by an active and empowered Friends of the Library. To support growth, Mary pursued grant writing and garnered support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Fred A. Moss Charity Trust, and the Percy B. Ferebee Foundation. Mary also coordinated addition of the Genealogy Room, the Library Work Space, and the Friends of the Library Bookstore. Under Mary’s leadership, the Moss Memorial Library experienced a 250% increase in size.

After more than 30 years of service to the library and community, Mary retired in October 2022. Over the years, she received many distinguished awards. In September of 1992, Mary received the highly distinguished Governor’s Award, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Later in 2003, Mary received the Annual Clay County Community Award for Person-of-the-Year. She was also selected as a community representative of an advisory panel for the Governor of North Carolina.

Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Mary requests her loved ones to donate to Moss Memorial Library (PO Box 900, Hayesville, NC 28904, 828-389-8401) or Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (214 Aquone Rd, Andrews, NC 28901, 828-321-4463).

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.