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BORN
1947
DIED
2020
Mary Moorman Obituary
Mary Alice Moorman passed away in Austin, Texas, March 9, 2020. Throughout her life, Mary endeavored to be, in her words, "Rich with love." Her heart was with the Earth and all its creatures, from the mountains of Wyoming to the coast of California; from the Alaska frontier to the Texas Hill Country.
Born in Minneapolis to Charles and Lillian Moorman, Mary relished the outdoors and learning. In her youth, she worked on ranches in Dubois WY.
She obtained a Master of Science in Microbiogeology from University of California, Santa Barbara. Her graduate work included a study of moon rocks from Apollo missions. At UCSB, she fell in love with a fellow student, John Dillon. The two married in 1976 and moved to Alaska, where they worked for the state's Geological and Geophysical Surveys and built a cabin for their family.
John tragically died in 1987; and in 1990, Mary moved to Austin. She volunteered for Brackenridge Hospital, The Austin Nature Center, and Lone Star Catahoula Rescue; supported her children's pursuits in art, poetry and science; and spent time with friends, The Jazz Club.
She will be missed by her children, Noah Dillon, Panika M. C. Dillon, Abraham Dillon and his wife, Marilyn McNeely, who provided care to Mary; her sisters, Linda Hargrove and Les Moorman; her pets, friends, and extended family.
Memorial services are to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Austin Pets Alive! or another charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Moorman
5 Entries
Therese Dillon
April 6, 2020
God bless and may peace be with John and Mary's beautiful children. I am so sorry.
Stephanie Dillon Hamm
April 5, 2020
Mary, Noah, Panika and Abe - you were the reason we settled in Austin, besides the fact that Caroline was attending UT. We loved spending time in your home with so many pets and the colorful Alebrijes she had throughout the house. And appreciated getting to know your Mother's family, Dama, Linda & Jim and Lesley. Despite the loss of your Dad you are all exceptional individuals. Your mother can be proud from a distance. We love all three of you (and Marilyn!). Love each other as you go through this loss.
Deece Eckstein
April 3, 2020
My condolences to Panika and to the rest of the family. May her bright, curious spirit live on in her children and in our world.
Nancy Rabener
March 29, 2020
Leslie, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister Mary. I remember her well, and when her husband was tragically killed in the plane accident in the Brooks Range. She moved away from Fairbanks, and soon so did you. If you return to visit Fairbanks, please look me up. My heart goes out to you. Fondly, Nancy Rabener
John Davis
March 29, 2020
She will be missed by all who knew her and remembered with love.
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