Some sources say she was born 8 November 1854. The 1900 census called her Mary S. Alloway. She knew she was dying of cancer, but she wanted to live to attend the wedding of her son Walter to Ethel Thomas. Ethel was teaching at the Schindlebower School and planned to finish the spring term before getting married. However, at Christmas break she learned of Mary Alloway's desire. Ethel resigned her teaching position and the young couple was married in the Alloway home. Mary Alloway was able to put on her black silk dress and sit up for the ceremony, but died six days later.