Mary Kay Hobbs

Mary Kay Hobbs, Ph.D., 62, passed away on Jan. 10, 2006 after a short, but courageous battle with gall bladder cancer. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Emily; mother, Louise; sisters, Nancy Jackson, Carolyn Sullivan and Barbara Rice; and brother, David. She was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Donald S. Hobbs; her sister, Janet; and her brother, Kenneth. Mary Kay's childhood was filled with fond memories of camping, traveling, singing and the energy of many siblings. Her education included a B.A. from Beloit College, a Master's in Education and a Ph.D. in International Education, both from Michigan State University. Later in life she returned to school and became a Registered Nurse. In her professional career she taught English at several colleges and universities; worked for the UCC and the Disciples of Christ; and the US-China Friendship Association. Most recently she was an RN on the nursing staff at the Anchorage of Bensenville and the Chateau Center of Willowbrook. Mary Kay excelled in language and her love of travel took her throughout Europe, Russia, China, Africa, Seychelle Islands and to Hong Kong, where she lived and worked for seven years. She was an avid learner and reader, had a great sense of humor, and loved learning all about different cultures and made life-long friends from all corners of the world. But for all her travels and accomplishments her greatest joy was her daughter, Emily. Mary Kay was enormously proud of Emily. She thoroughly enjoyed Emily playing violin in the Orchestra and her participation on the basketball and badminton teams at Glenbard East H.S. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006 at 2 p.m. at The First Church of Lombard, UCC, 220 S. Main St. Contributions may be made to The Emily Hobbs Memorial Fund (for more info call 630-629-2630) or to a charity of your choice.