Mary Davin Junen, 83, of Huntsville died Sunday in her sleep, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Mary was born in Manhattan, New York City to Irish Immigrant parents, Thomas and Bridget Lee Davin. Along with her parents and older brother Denis, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Junen (2016) and youngest daughter, Bridget Pamela Junen (1991).
As a young teen, Mary met her future husband during summer vacations on the shores of Long Island’s Port Washington, where families gathered every summer. Mary and Leo were married on January 25th, 1957 in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Mary was a Registered Nurse and eventually headed up the ICU in one of Manhattan’s busiest hospitals. The couple settled in historic Old Bethpage, where they raised three children.
Leo’s work with Grumman Aerospace, supporting the Nation’s Space Program, eventually led the family to relocate to Huntsville in 1970. As their children reached school age, Mary started a second professional career in residential real estate. As with every aspect of Mary’s life, she passionately pursued her new career, eventually starting Rise Real Estate with her partners, in the early 1980’s. Rise would go on to become one of the largest, and most prestigious residential firms in the state. She had a fulfilling and rewarding career at Rise, as well as a great presence with The Huntsville Board of Realtors. Mary was passionate about her profession and led training of new Realtors for many years. She went on to receive many awards and recognition, including Realtor of the Year; however; she was most honored to be elected President of The Huntsville Board of Realtors in 1988.
Mary was passionate about her Irish heritage and passing on traditions to her children. She brought her family to Ireland for a three-week excursion to meet the extended family and experience Ireland’s lore and beauty. One thing Mary was best known for was her abundant love of animals, especially dogs. It wasn’t unusual for her to stop on a busy road to coax a terrified dog into her car, saving it from oncoming traffic.
Survivors include her son, Kendall (Alison) Junen; daughter, Colette McGill; and grandchildren, Jesse Davin McGill (29), Patrick Allen Junen (26), Daniel Thomas Junen (24), and Rachel Elizabeth Junen (19). Mary was a devout Catholic and a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 48 years.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Ark Inc. of Huntsville, 139 Bo Cole Rd, Huntsville, AL 35806, in memory of Mary Junen.
