Mary Helen Heidt Cogburn
May 17, 1925 ~ July 12, 2017
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Mary Helen Heidt Cogburn, 92, died peacefully at her Pisgah View Ranch home surrounded by her family, on July 12, 2017. She was born in Charleston, SC on May 17, 1925, and was one of six children to Claudian B. and Willie Clyde Heidt.
Mary lived a full life raising five children, and operating, along with the family, the Pisgah View Ranch in Candler, NC. She was active in the Pisgah Chapter of the Girl Scouts of America, Valley Garden Club, and the Catholic Daughter's at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. She dearly loved music, art, and mountain crafts, and painted when she had the time. She became a woman of the mountains but never lost her charming Charleston accent.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of more than fifty-three years, Max Oliver Cogburn, Sr.; her beloved daughter, Mary Christine Cogburn; and all of her siblings.
Mary is survived by her children, Max Oliver Cogburn, Jr., and wife, Fran; Michael David Cogburn, and wife, Gay; Steven Douglas Cogburn, and wife, Carolyn Warren; and Cynthia Diane Cogburn, and husband, Nicholas Muszynski; grandchildren, Max Oliver Cogburn, III (Stacie), Casey Francelyn Cogburn, Cameron Valier Cogburn (Rachel), Cullen Valier Cogburn, Christopher Stone Cogburn, Clint Heidt Cogburn, Jacob Killian Cogburn, Suzanne Warren, James Warren (Jessica), Colton Cogburn Muszynski, Melissa Ann Mauskar (Neal), and Nicole Marie Muszynski; great grandchildren, Max Oliver Cogburn, IV, and Ellis Rose Michele Cogburn; and special nephew, William (Billy) Miller, and wife, Peggy.
The family wishes to give thanks to all those who helped Mary after she fell ill. A special thanks to those who were primarily involved in her care: Mildred Greene, Susan Hannah, Kathy Overman, Michelle Phillips, and Amy Trull.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 14th, at Groce Funeral Home, 1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC. A private family funeral mass will take place at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, on Saturday, July 15th, with interment at Green Hills Cemetery to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Upper Hominy Fire and Rescue, 1795 Pisgah Hwy, Candler, NC 28715.
Sorry for your loss, David. My thoughts are with you and your family. Carol Tyndall
Hello to all the Cogburns and their families. Mary was a beautiful kind wonderful woman and I know she will be greatly missed? Me and my wife always enjoyed visiting her if we were in the area.
Max and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are remembered fondly with our prayers and encouragement just as you cared for us. Bill and Katie Kalarovich
I’m so sorry to hear of Mary’s death. I always enjoyed talking to her when we use to eat at the ranch. She was such a sweet lady and a joy to talk to. We sure do miss coming to the ranch to eat. My thoughts and prayers go to all of you.
So sorry to each family member in the loss of MARY. She was a wonderful friend and like family member.
Growing up, I always loved visiting the Ranch. Whether it was Chinese Checkers, a Rubik’s cube, a dulcimer or simply letting us roam the mountainside woods with her dogs, Momma Mary always knew what would pique the interests and imaginations of her grandchildren. She was a unique person that will be missed my many, but her memory will never be forgotten.
Steve and family, I am sorry to hear this sad news. My condolence to you and your family during this time. She was very loved and will be dearly missed.
I am so sorry to read this sad news in this morning’s Citizen-Times. I send my sympathy and condolence to the whole Cogburn family and especially to Dr. David Cogburn who introduced me to his beloved Mama. I was delighted to meet her.
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Mary. My teenage years were spent working at the Pisgah View Ranch.. it was a 2nd home. I always loved Mary’s stories and she had such a way about her that made me idolize her. She was a woman with great poise and class. My condolences go out to the family. Her charm, character, and beauty will never be forgotten.
Precious and sweet,Beautiful Lady inside and out..so sorry to hear of her passing,,I will never forget the time I was sick,,,I needed drinks,,think I had the flu,,,and her and Lula Rash,my second Mom,,,went to the store for me,,,,more than once..She was a caring person…she was always the same no matter where you seen her..Cherish her memories as I know you will,they are forever.May God be with each of you at this time and keep his arms around you and give you strength and know she is among the Angels.
Max, David, and Steve,
Murray just forwarded me the announcement of your mother’s passing. I regret that I will not be there in person to communicate my condolences. You, and your families, will be in our prayers. The mark of a good man or woman is in part, the legacy they leave and the family they leave behind. And oh what a legacy and family Max Sr. and his dear wife have left. And I am not speaking of your many accomplishments in life, and the good Lord knows that they are many. I am speaking of the way that you have lived your lives.i remember when I first came to Buncombe County around 1980. The Cogburn family, starting with your dad, were some of the first people I came in contact professionally. Friendships with the boys came later. It was pretty special for a country boy from Waynesville to be welcomed as a friend into the Cogburn clan. I love you boys and i hurt for you. No matter the age, it is tough for a man to lose his mother. Take heart in the fact that the Lord will walk you through this, and one day the hurt will be replaced by loving memories. Until then please know that you will be in our prayers and that we are here for you.
Mary and were good friends both of us getting older and unable to do what we loved to do. She dearly loved her family God Bless each of you. Mary will be missed. her friend Melita Burnette
Cindy and Family , i truly loved your Moma, i will cherish every minute i got to spend with her. She will always be a part of all of you and her sweet smile always made my day even when she wasn’t feeling well she was a strong willed soul with a very big heart. I loved her very much and will miss her everyday, especially when i see a pretty red bird because she loved watching them out of her kitchen windows when they would come to visit her each morning during breakfast. Thank you for sharing her time you let me spend with her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time!
To each and all of the Cogburn Family, our entire family is very sad and sorry for the loss. We say ‘the loss’ instead of limiting it to ‘your loss’ because Momma Mary deeply touched and positively affected so many that it is truly immeasurable. We are all overwhelmed by countless memories that we are privileged to have from precious times with Momma Mary, Max and the Pisgah View Ranch. Her warmth, depth, wisdom, grace, class, loyalty, dedication to family, unselfishness, strength and classic sense of humor was all unparalleled and something we ALL looked up to. Momma Mary was a role model for our family, profoundly and positively impacting our lives. What makes her so special is that we know, without the slightest doubt, that she had the same impact on so many throughout the world. Our memories of Mary, Max Sr. and the entire Cogburn Family are eternally in our souls. The thought that Mary is holding and dancing with Max Sr. in heaven now makes us smile. We pray that God gives each and all of you peace within through this rough time. We pray that you all enjoy 20 laughs and 20 smiles for each tear you shed reflecting on the time we were all privileged to share with Momma Mary. With deep love and condolences, The Tobin Family ❤️
Very sorry to hear about this! Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindy and the Cogburns. She was such a sweet woman and I know she will be missed.
Dear Cogburn family, It has been a pleasure to have done Mary’s hair for so many years. She has been so much more to me than a client. She has always encouraged me to reach higher than I thought I could. We have laughed together until we cried and also held on to each other and cried. I feel so blessed to have known her in such a special way. I have so many sweet memories but one that stands out to me is when our salon entered an Alan Jackson line dance video contest and Mary participated with us. She came to every rehearsal!! What fun we had and how excited we were when we almost won!! You can watch this video on you tube. It’s called Boogie at the Beauty Shop ! I hope it will make you smile !!! I loved your mother dearly!
Prayers to all. So sorry for your loss
To all of the Cogburn Family, so sorry for the loss of your Momma Mary. She made the Ranch such a memorable place for so many people over the years. A wonderful woman and prime example of how people should act and live their lives. My condolences and prayers go out to all of you
Dear Max, David and Steve:
I have no words to express how deeply sorry I am to hear about the loss of your mother. I know from the time I lost my mother that there is nothing that I can say that will ease the loss that you and your families are feeling. May the beautiful memories of your mother bring comfort to you and your families during these difficult times.
I remember the path through the woods that that was well worn as we traveled back and forth to each other’s homes. I have such fond memories of setting in your mother’s kitchen as see fixed us lunch. Your mother always treated me like I was one of her own and during my whole life I will always remember and marvel at her unique spirit.
I apologize for not being able to attend the visitation tonight in person.
With all of my families blessings, love and prayers know that you are not alone.
Mike
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember fondly our time together on Fairmont. You are in our prayers.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Cogburn family for the loss of their beloved Mother. My grandmother Mary Monteath, always talked so fondly of Max and Mary and we had many wonderful dinners with great stories to tell at the Ranch. They raised a wonderful family and she will be remembered fondly by many.
With love and prayers,
Mary Eveland
Cindy and family, we are sorry for the loss of your precious Mom. We know you have a lot of good memories, just cherish all of them. Our love and prayers are with you during this time. Elsie Lankford and Karen Gibson
Mary will be missed. She was a wonderful lady.
David and the entire Cogburn family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have never met your Mother but she must have been quite a lady to have raised so many wonderful children. Thank you David, for being there for me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
Paul Griffin
Steve, Judge, Doc & family, I am very sorry for your loss. Although I never met your mother, her husband was an inspiration to me as a young lawyer back in the day. I am sure that you all will find peace with your many fond memories.
Dr. Cogburn, so sorry to hear of your dear mothers passing. Thinking of you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to the entire Cogburn family. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all for the loss of your mother, grandmother and friend.
To the entire Cogburn family. So sorry for your loss. Fine family.
Cindy and family: We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I have to relay a time when my husband and I were joined by your mother for lunch at Pisgah View Ranch. What a beautiful person she was and made us feel so at home! We had such a wonderful conversation with this great lady and have never forgotten it. She will absolutely be missed!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Much Love to You!
Momma Mary would always let me camp out in the yard and she would always have waffles ready for breakfast in the morning. I will always remember the fun times we had and her unique perspective on life.
Dearest Cogburn Family,
Our deepest of sympathies are with you all during these trying times. May you find peace among one another and rejoice with priceless memories of Momma Mary. May you see wild birds, listen to their beautiful songs, and think of her grace. May you watch the sunset among the majestic mountains and think of her timeless beauty. May you eat dessert and wonder what she would have added to it and made it absolutely perfect! And lastly, may you look to one another and know that you were her everything and she is with you, always.
We will always hold priceless memories of Momma Mary, her amazing stories, zest for life, insightfulness, her cakes, the way she would go above and beyond to help anyone in need, and how she treated Desi and Logen as one of her own. We are forever greatful to have had such a wonderful family friend and neighbor. She will be dearly missed.
To all the Cogburn Family, your mother was one of the sweetest ladies I had ever had the pleasure to meet. I pray that God will give you peace that only He can give.
Dear David and Family,
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
David and family, So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. May God give you strength to help you through this sad time.
To all the Cogburn Family,
Mary was an icon for so many people— am icon for her many civic contributions; an icon for her hospitality evidenced at Pisgah Ranch and an icon as mother of a talented and giving family. We share your loss but also know her spirit lives on through her children and friends and we are all the better for it.
Becky and Ed Anderson
Max, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a fine person and I’m sure will be greatly missed. I think of you and Fran often.
To the Cogburn family I just found out of Mary’s passing. I am so very sorry for your loss, your mom was one of a kind. We all have lots of memories of you guys and our time at the ranch. Patty and Family