Mary Hoebeke

Not many 98 year old matriarchs show up for their great-grandchildren's Halloween party dressed up as a ladybug. Yet Mary Martha Young Hoebeke's costume, known to our family as "Mimi," perfectly communicated her happy spirit. As ladybugs do, she brought joy, happiness, and laughter to everybody. She believed "The MOST important things in life are love and relationships." Mary went to be with Jesus on September 25, 2024.

Mary was born on January 20, 1925 to Herman and Sarah (Orbaker) Young in Pultneyville, New York. She was the third of four children, including her older sisters, Hermina and Edith, and younger brother John. Their closely-knit family owned and farmed fruit orchards in Sodus, New York.

On July 2nd, 1949 she married Richard Hoebeke of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their children are Sara (Duane) Cowall of Bedford, NH, and Bob (Molly) Hoebeke Plano, TX. Mimi's grandchildren include Shelby (Jake) Ellzey; Whitney (Max) Jodry; Ashley (David) Fulton-Howard; and Robert (Claire Jeter) Cowall. She was thrilled to be loved by five great-grandchildren, McCall and Jack Ellzey; and Wells, Crews, and Emerson Jodry. She loved to be a part of her extended family's shenanigans, usually holding court while telling the best and most colorful stories at family gatherings.

Mary graduated with a B.A. in history from Hope College, studied at the University of Vermont, and received a M.A. in library science from Dominican University of River Forest, Illinois. She taught school in Burlington, Vermont and Oak Park, Illinois. Mary's studies served her well at two libraries in Elmhurst, Illinois, and Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. Following retirement she worked part-time in the Travis Wolff corporate library. She invested deeply in the organizations where she felt led to serve, including Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano (where she still holds the record for most volunteered hours shared), PEO Chapter DX, and on numerous committees and volunteer roles at Presbyterian Village North. Each organization was the beneficiary of her radiant social skills and brilliant mind.

Mimi loved people. Even in her last few months of life she was constantly re-inventing herself by making new friends (several of whom came to read to her when she could no longer see the pages), always making them the centerpiece of conversation. Even when her friends preceded her in death, she made new ones.

Mary's death will leave a huge hole in all of our hearts. Yet her exceedingly strong faith leaves an important legacy in the lives of her family members, as well as a strong witness in the communities of friends who loved her as much as she loved them. Most importantly, Mimi finished her life in love and faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Well done, Mimi, you finished your race, kept the faith and are now home with Jesus!

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13: 7 & 13

Her family is grateful for the care and kindness she received from the staff at Presbyterian Village North, and Faith Hospice. Special thanks to Nancy Sheets, Lena Tessma, and Ben Mergren who made Mary's transition to heaven comfortable. Interment will be at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church columbarium during a private, family service per Mary's request.