Theodor M. Mauch

ORLEANS — Dr. Theodor M. Mauch, 87, died August 18, 2007, in the Orleans Convalescent and Retirement Center. He had been a faithful, daily volunteer at the home for 20 years.

The son of the Reverend Wilhelm G. Mauch and Emma M. Mauch, Ted majored in philosophy at Elmhurst College. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1946, a Master of Sacred Theology in 1947, and a Ph.D. in Sacred Theology in 1958, from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He was a popular teacher at Wellesley College in Massachusetts and from 1957 to 1987, he was a professor of religion at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.

A builder of fine stone walls and an avid gardener, he grew over 60 varieties of prize-winning irises in his East Orleans garden, as well as cherry tomatoes, rhubarb, raspberries, currants and English holly. He regularly presented gifts from the garden to visitors and friends, most often delivered in cobalt blue containers. In 1990, Ted preserved his beloved property on Old Duck Hole Road with its paths, stone walls and gardens by gifting several acres to the Orleans Conservation Trust. His beloved old ship's bell that he rang every morning to greet the day now hangs in a corner of the garden.

An avid Red Sox fan, his proudest possessions were Red Sox memorabilia given to him over the years by his many friends. During his years at Trinity, he was a one man cheering squad at Trinity athletic events and during retirement enthusiastically supported the Orleans Cardinals.

Dr. Mauch is survived by his nephews, Bruce J. Mauch Knopf and his wife, Kathy Moehring, of San Francisco, Vinyasi of Los Angeles; his great-nephews, Noam Knopf-Boyer and his wife, Janelle Alcantara; Ronen Knopf-Boyer, and Cody Moehring; great-niece Remi Moehring; and great-great-nephew Elijah Alcantara-Boyer, all of San Francisco, Calif.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at the Federated Church of Orleans on Nov. 16, 2007.