MARY TEARE HOCKMEYER
Mary Teare Hockmeyer of Vero Beach, Florida, died Saturday, March 14, 2015 in her home and in the presence of her loving family. She was born in Evansville, Indiana in 1945. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University, and still found it in her heart to marry a Purdue Boilermaker. She received her Masters degree from the George Washington University and her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Mary was a lifelong advocate of the power of education to elevate one's self and others, and she taught both elementary and middle school grades.Mary never shied from a challenge, whether it was pursuing her doctorate degree in the evenings or the years when her family was stationed in Kenya - who still laugh about their shared "when animals attack' stories. She had a quick wit and a deep ability to love.She was a passionate donor at the University of Maryland, the University of Florida, Purdue University, and an unrelenting supporter of Guiding Eyes for The Blind who provide guide and service dogs to those in need. She is sorely missed.Mary is survived by her husband of 46 years, Wayne; her son and daughter-in-law, John and Tracy; her grandchildren, Boden and Grace; and surviving siblings Patricia, Bill, Jim and Christine.A Celebration of Life memorial reception will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Talbot Country Club, 6142 Country Club Drive, Easton, MD 21601.Though Mary precedes her husband, she will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery this spring.Memorial donations may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, NY.Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.A guest book is available at; www.strunkfuneralhome.com
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I taught with Mary at the International School of Kenya. My eldest son was in her 6th grade class snd my youngest son was her son, John’s, good friend. She was a delight to be with and an excellent colleague. The world is poorer without her. My husband and I send love and prayers to Wayne and John; we have happy memories of good times in Kenya.
Renee Falconer
Friend
May 27, 2022
Dear Wayne and John, This is sad news indeed that Barbara and I have just learned from Bill D. Mary was a powerful and compassionate force in which her cheerful and loving and intelligent outlook was always so evident. Our wonderful memories of her will last for our lifetimes and we send our sympathies for the great loss that you have sustained.
Carl and Barbara Alving
May 20, 2015
Dear Wayne,
Regina and I were so srry to hear of Mary's passing and offer our deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family. It will be difficult to overcome your loss but family and friends will help ease the pain. We look forward to seeing you back in John's Island.
Pat and Regina
Pat and Regina Keeley
April 20, 2015
Dear Wayne, John and Family
Please accept our most sincere and deepest condolences at the sad news of Mary's passing. She was a kind, caring and inspirational friend. We will cherish her ability to remind us to recognize the humor in situations and smile at adversity. You are all in our prayers.
Bogdan and Lea Dziurzynski
April 15, 2015
Dear Wayne,
I have the greatest sympathy for you on your loss last month. I just heard yesterday. I realize the pain which you are in because I too lost my spouse, my first love, Audrey, to illness six years ago after 55 years of having a happy home together. My children have been an enormous help to me as I am sure you will find the same. I think Mary and Audrey had met on one of your visits to Purdue.
I will always be enormously grateful for your and Mary's generosity in creating Hockmeyer Hall for Structural Biology on the Purdue campus. Please do come and visit whenever you are on campus.
With my heartfelt sorrow for you,
Michael
Michael Rossmann
April 15, 2015
I would like to express our gratitude for her support of Structural Biology at Purdue University.
David Sanders
April 14, 2015
Dear Wayne and family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Mary. You both have admirably served our Nation and have made this world a better place for thousands of people. You and your family will be in our prayers. Sincerely,
LTCs Vic and Kate Suarez
Victor Suarez
March 31, 2015
Patricia and Tom Reynolds Oxford, MD
March 31, 2015
Please accept our sincere condolences to your family. Mary was a dear lovely woman.
Karen & Bill King
March 31, 2015
Dear Familly of Mary,
Mary was a patient of mine during the times we were lucky enough to have her here in Easton with us.
Mary was a special person. She had a rare combination of intelligence and kindness that was easily conveyed through her winning personality. I've met a lot of people as a doctor, but she was truly a gift.
I spent a good bit of time chuckling over the different configurations she came up with to safely transport her dogs in her car!
I hope her passing was gentle. She will be missed.
Dr. Molly Burgoyne
March 30, 2015
Wayne,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug Brough and Carol Bossert
March 23, 2015
Wayne, we are sorry to hear about Mary. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Paul and Vicki Fischer
March 23, 2015
Nadine Parker
March 23, 2015
I have warm memories of Marietta as a classmate at St. Ben's and Memorial High School. As you struggle through this most difficult time, you have our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Charles Higdon
March 23, 2015
Wayne, so sorry to hear about Marietta. Even though we lost touch, I have fond memories of our school days together. Sounds like she had a very fulfilling life. Please know you and your family have our sympathy and prayers. Memorial Class of 1963
Pam (Maurer) Tubbs
March 22, 2015
Wayne - I am so very, very sorry to hear of your loss and wish you and the family comfort in this difficult time. May her memory be for a blessing.
Rena Cohen
March 19, 2015
Dear Wayne and Family, Mary will be missed by all who knew her. Wayne, we will hold her chair at "our" table on Mason's porch.
Our sincerest condolences for your family.
Love, Leigh Rollins and Marty Janowiecki
March 18, 2015
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