She was born Marushka Erzsebet Papp into a Hungarian family in Trenton , NJ. As the seventh of eight children Mary grew up a courageous communicator, a force of nature for the underdog, quick on her feet and quicker of wit.

After studying design in Copenhagen, Denmark, Mary founded the successful shop Danish Imports Center (Scan Design) in Eugene, OR. With boundless energy Mary renovated homes in Australia, helped out on a kibbutz, advised architect Pietro Belluschi on the best built-ins for shop displays, assisted customers at Seattle's Chartreuse International and, unforgettably, scrambled through the Andes Mountains in 6-inch heels. Mary McCullough will forever be cherished, admired and very greatly loved.

Just like Mary and her vibrant home, the West Seattle Junction is more than a neighborhood—it’s the vibrant heart of a close-knit community, where the spirit of connection and pride thrives.

In honor of Mary, we will plant a memorial tree for every group that visits her beautiful and unique home. Each tree represents more than just a plant in the ground; it symbolizes a long-term commitment to the environment, the importance of setting roots, and fostering the connections we have within our community.