Mary Anita Hale

Mary Anita Hale (nee “Demass”) of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on June 10, 2025, surrounded by many of her family after a valiant struggle with heart disease and encephalitis. Mary was born In Chesterton, Indiana on November 18, 1933, to Henry and Elizabeth DeMass. She grew up in Westville, Indiana where she met and attended high school with her future husband, Charles Woods Hale, Jr (Woody).

Mary was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love for her family. She enjoyed cooking and her baking skills were unsurpassed. She shared many of her old family recipes with family, friends and coworkers. Like many cooks of her generation, recipes included skoshes, dashes, pinches and the instructions to “cook it until it looks right” or “until it’s done”. This became the running joke in our family for anyone asking how to make her recipes. Her graham cracker pie and hot fudge delighted all.

At the tender age of 17, she married the love of her life, Charles (Woody) Hale, Jr. They were together for 33 years until he passed in 1983. Mary is also predeceased by her daughter Mary Ellen, her parents Henry and Elizabeth DeMass and her sister, Jean (Jim) Kruse. She is survived by her children Sandra (Lenny) Nasca, Sara (Greg) Moores, Robin Hale and Aaron (Kimberly) Hale, her brother Michael (Linda) Demass, 14 grandchildren, and many great -grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary worked for decades in the deli at Publix Supermarkets, retiring from there at the age of 85. Throughout her life, her family was her passion, attending special events for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whenever possible. “Memaw” also played a mean game of Phase 10 with an innocent smile on her face as she won time and time again. In her later life, she enjoyed sitting in her rocking chair, watching the birds and squirrels scrambling for the food she placed in the feeder. Her legacy is one of generosity, determination, and an enduring love for her family that continues to inspire.

With her death, we find solace in the knowledge that she is now at peace, free of pain and once again with her husband, daughter and family members.

At her direction, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Community Hospice – McGraw Center for Caring https://thefoundationcares.org/give/, to the Jacksonville Humane Society, https://jacksonvillehumanesociety-bloom.kindful.com/ or an animal rescue of your choice.

Rest in peace, Mom. You will be missed more than words can express.