Mary Louise Garber

WEST Melbourne, Fla. - Mary Louise Garber, 70, a beloved teacher who devoted her life to nurturing and inspiring children, died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005, at her home in West Melbourne, Fla.

She was born Feb. 22, 1935, in Glens Falls, the daughter of the late Francis and Helen Fish.

Mary was a dynamic, multifaceted individual with many passions, including teaching, cooking, traveling and the performing arts. She was very active in her high school's theater department, and earned a reputation for her vivid characterizations and quick sense of humor.

She married Samuel Garber, an artist and teacher, in 1959 and later had two sons, David and Jonathan.

Mary excelled in many professions, including as a librarian and a caterer, but her great love was teaching and sparking the imaginations of young children.

She lived in several cities in upstate New York, including Rome, Utica, and Rochester, and was very active in each of the Jewish communities there.

In 1984, Mary fulfilled a longtime dream and emigrated to Israel, where she lived for five years, participating in several charitable and performing arts organizations there, including the Humane Society.

She returned to the United States in 1989, settling in West Melbourne, Fla. Mary spent the remaining years of her life teaching children at various Brevard County schools, most recently Dairy Road Discovery Center in West Melbourne, where she was affectionately known as "Miss Mary." Her creative flair, originality and her enthusiasm for multicultural education and the fine arts had a tremendous impact on her students.

Mary loved to travel, and in recent years had visited China, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Last month, she attended her 50th high school reunion in Glens Falls.

Mary is survived by her two sons, David, of New York; and Jonathan, of San Francisco; her sister, Janice Daniels; and her longtime companion, Roger Gold; both of West Melbourne, Fla.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Samuel Garber, who passed away in 1995, and her brother, Richard Fish.

Her graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30, in House of Jacob Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro.

Contributions in her memory may be offered to the following groups: the American Red Cross, the Humane Society of the United States, or Hadassah.

Funeral Arrangements are with Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel, Inc., 470 French Road, Utica, NY 13502.