MARY BEDOSKY 2022 Citizen Of The Year

By Patti Otte

Network of Community Ministries donor reception

In March, the Richardson Chamber of Commerce honored individuals whose exceptional contributions to the community made a lasting impact in 2022. Small but mighty, fun and feisty Mary Bedosky was given the well-deserved title of Citizen of the Year.

Mary grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where she spent winters sledding and ice skating. Always a hard worker, Mary’s first job was cleaning the scuff marks off new men’s white shoes at the Nunn Bush Shoe Factory in Edgerton, Wisconsin. A music education major at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, she specialized in voice and piano and was a lead singer in a rock band, “playing regular gigs with lots of 70’s music at a smoky bar with fellow music majors,” Mary recalls.

The young musician also had a knack for business and her career took her in that direction. She has worked in retail store management, residential real estate and banking for many years. Currently, Mary works for Prosperity Bank in Richardson as the Banking Center President and will soon celebrate sixteen years with Prosperity. Mary describes herself as flexible, organized and a great partner.

Mary’s greatest partnership was with Matthew, her soul mate and husband of twenty-six years, whom she lost in 2019. Mary and Matt moved from Rochester, NY, to Richardson in 1993. Together, in addition to pursuing separate careers, they owned a cigar shop in Richardson called Calypso Cigars, which Mary sold after Matt’s death. Her eyes still light up when she talks about Matt.

Her father Lester, a small business owner himself, taught Mary the importance of

Mary happily networking relationships in business and giving back to the community. Her 91-year-old mom, Helen Ryan, lives with Mary now. A retired nurse and former amateur pilot, Helen “is a blast to live with – she always keeps me laughing,” states Mary fondly.

Mary’s earliest memory of volunteering is selling tickets at the Kehl School of Dance recital back in Madison. She did so well that she won a pair of ballet shoes for selling the most tickets! Once she arrived in Richardson, Mary met longtime Richardson mover and shaker Bonnie Perry, who invited her to serve on the RSO Board. They collaborated on many causes over the years and Bonnie introduced Mary to several people who she now considers her best friends.

Mary is a member of the Richardson East Rotary Club, the Executive After Hours and Women in Leadership committees of the Richardson Chamber, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Methodist Richardson Hospital Foundation. When asked what she would say to someone wanting to make a difference in the community, Mary states, “There are so many ways to give back. Network of Community Ministries and RALC come to mind. I would ask the person, ‘What is your passion?’ It is so much fun to work alongside others doing something you love and believe in.”

Fellow volunteer and Logotology owner Monica Scott states, “Mary is smart and

Mary's March birthday celebration funny and has such a rich history in this community. I don't think there is one aspect of this City that she hasn't been involved in and is always open to sharing and brainstorming new ideas to build upon successes. She is one of those people who, when you talk to her, you know you have 100% of her attention. We are truly blessed to have her!!!”

Besides “catching some rays” in her backyard pool, Mary loves the patio and vibe at Fernando’s, the concert hall at the Eisemann Center, and the Wildflower Festival. She also enjoys visiting and photographing lighthouses, drinking wine and chatting with friends, and shopping! When asked what she would like folks to remember her for, Mary replies, “I would hope that they talk about the great times we had together and how we improved our community as a team.”

Congratulations, Mary. You’ve certainly made your community a better place simply by being you.