After graduating from college with a teaching degree, Mary married Paul Pack, Sr. In November 1967. In 1969 she gave birth to their daughter Korby. Followed by the birth of their son Paul, Jr. in 1971. Mary spent the next 10 years as an amazing cook; baking, dinner making, and family managing stay at home mom.
A close second to being a mom was her first favorite job, working at Quentin’s women’s clothing near the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln Campus, where she fully embraced the fashion industry even spending time in New York City on buying trips. In 1979, Mary was asked by a neighbor and friend, Senator Chris Beutler, to come work with him at the Capitol. This introduced Mary to a whole new host of close friends and colleagues and turned into a 45-year career working in and around the Nebraska Legislature (with only one small detour). Always open to adventure and inspired by her many family fishing trips to Canada, in 1986 Mary joined the crew of her cousin’s commercial salmon fishing operation in Alaska. After surviving the “Last Frontier,” she returned to Lincoln and joined Tews & Radcliffe (now Radcliffe Gilbertson & Brady) where she worked for more than 30 years.
While working in and around the Legislature, Mary met her love and life partner, Walt Radcliffe. Mary and Walt spent nearly 40 years together filled with love, fun, the best parties, epic Husker tailgates, world-wide travel, friends, and family.
Mary will always be remembered as a one-of-a-kind, somewhat feisty, incredibly generous, and fun-loving person who never forgot a birthday or special event. She made everyone feel special and created lasting memories. Oh, and those cookies!
Mary was preceded in death by her life partner, Walter Radcliffe. She is survived by her daughter, Korby Gilbertson (Mark Munger), son Paul Pack, Jr (Julie), granddaughter Kaelyn Hooper (Edwin), grandsons Connor Pack (fiancé Chloe Sullivan), and Hunter Gilbertson (special friend Hannah Sears); step-granddaughter Stacy Munger Kellum (Chaz); great-grandson Elias Hooper; and step-great-grandchildren Madalynn and Charlie Kellum, and Annika and Carter Oakes; brother Dean Swanson (Beverly), nephew Tyler Swanson (Taylor), nieces Brooke Tabony (Michael), and Ashley Young (Jason); great nieces and nephews Greyson and Sloane Swanson, Morgan and Madison Tabony, and Emery, Bennett and Paxton Young; cousins, extended family and countless beloved friends.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 5-7pm at Roper and Sons 4300 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln, NE, 68510. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Country Club of Lincoln. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by comments at 12:30 p.m..
Memorials should be directed to the Lincoln Parks & Recreation Foundation – Mary Pack Dedicated Bench fund (3131 O Street, Suite 301 Lincoln, NE 68510), or donor’s choice.