Mary enjoyed ranch life and horseback riding. She attended Tucson High School and was a popular participant in many aspects of campus life; as a senior, she was elected Rodeo Queen.

 In 1945 she married William Gibson Mann (Bill). They had four children: Katharine, Susan, Gib, and Amy. As a young mother she was active in the community volunteering in numerous political campaigns, in the Junior League of Phoenix and helping found the Junior Tennis League of Phoenix.

 After raising her four children, Mary went back to school and in 1969 received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Arizona State University. After graduation, she taught kindergarten at Rural Elementary School in Tempe.

 In 1975, Mary married Robert A. Widen of Prescott, Arizona. She relocated to Prescott and involved herself in the community. Bob and Mary owned an outdoor retail store called Basecamp for 24 years. With her infectious personality, she was a natural on the sales floor. She created and maintained many close friendships in Prescott, as she had done throughout her life.