Maurine Elizabeth Hancock

Maurine Elizabeth Whalen was born on January 5, 1932 in Aquilla, Texas in Hill County near Hillsboro. Her earliest years were spent on the farm helping her parents with the animals and tending the crops and gardens. When she was 8, her family moved to Dallas. It was here, at such a young age, that her lifelong history of caregiving began. Shortly after her move, her father, Sam, was drafted into World War II. Her mother was working hard to make ends meet and Maurine spent many hours alone caring for herself, her pets, and her younger cousins who lived nearby. She inherited a kind, strong, responsible spirit and it is said that their home was always open to anyone who was hungry or weary; even strangers who needed a hot meal and a place to sleep for a few days.

As many early Dallas residents, she lived near Fair Park. Some of Maurine’s favorite pastimes were going to movies and musicals and roller-skating. She dreamed of being a dancer or movie star and certainly had the beauty and poise to pull it off. She attended Forest Avenue High School and that is where she met Fred Hancock. She was a few months shy of her 18th birthday when they got married. Because her parents, Sam and Opal always worked so hard, they were able to gift Maurine and Fred with a brand-new house upon marriage, which was virtually unheard of at that time and still is today! Maurine said it seemed so unreal for the first few months, she was afraid someone would come in and tell them they had to move out! After graduation, she worked at a bank as a teller.

Their son, Sammy, was born in 1952 and their daughter Vicky in 1957. The family moved into a bigger house in the Pleasant Grove area, where Maurine and Fred lived until 1985, before moving to Rowlett, Tx. Most of her neighbors became lifelong friends. The Hancocks attended Colonial Baptist Church; Maurine worked in the church office and Fred was a deacon. She loved socializing with their friends, church activities, fishing and country western dancing.

Maurine’s parents, Sam and Opal, lived nearby and both of them lived into their mid 90s. She was a loyal caregiver for both her parents until the end, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. That was really her passion in life and her primary concern. She hosted every Thanksgiving and Christmas, encouraging anyone who wanted to join in. She was truly a beautiful, generous and virtuous woman. She never spoke a bad word about anyone and always looked for and found the good in everyone. She was a prayer warrior and her bible was always beside her on the sofa or her bedside table. Maybe because she was alone a lot and started caring for others so young, she possessed a childlike quality throughout her life.

She and Fred were married for 66 years, until he passed away. She patiently and tirelessly cared for him until the end and was with him every day.

4 1/2 years ago, she moved into an independent living apartment complex near White Rock Lake. There she met Jerry Ellsworth, who came to be her best friend. He brought her breakfast and coffee every morning and she spoke often about her appreciation of his friendship. She also made many other friends there and never went downstairs to dinner without her glamorous outfits and matching earrings.

Her faith in the Lord was strong and never wavering. Although some of us go through periods of doubt in our faith, Maurine never did. I had many conversations with her about this and she had unbreakable faith in her family, friends and her God. She will surely be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and without a doubt, she is rejoicing in Heaven!

Maurine is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Opal Whalen and her husband, Fred Hancock. She is survived by her children, Sammy and Linda Hancock and Vicky and Dieter Schweitzer, her Grandchildren, Adam Hancock, Zurik Phillips, Lisa and Sean Perdue, Susanne Schweitzer and 5 Great grandchildren.