Mary Therese Hoversten

Mary Therese Hoversten, age 78, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away on December 28, 2025. Mary was born on May 25, 1947, in Lienz, Austria, to Lorenz and Hildagard Boborci. At the age of two, she moved with her family to Chicago, where she spent her early life. In 1980, she settled in the Ann Arbor area.

Mary pursued her passion for science through her education, earning her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University. She continued her academic journey with graduate studies at DePaul University. Her dedication to research and education led her to a long and meaningful career at the Michigan Health Research Institute, where she served as the laboratory coordinator and performed multiple critical experiments over the course of over 20 years.

In her professional life, Mary was known as the backbone of the laboratory. She monitored and ran complex tests, ensured that all equipment functioned properly, and trained doctoral candidates in the use of specialized tools and procedures. Her knowledge, reliability, and leadership left a lasting impact on colleagues and students alike.

Outside of work, Mary loved gardening and took great joy in tending to her garden and participating in many gardening clubs including the Rock Garden Society and Day Lily Society. She was heavily involved in investment clubs and is a former president of the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Better Investing Model Club, sharing her enthusiasm for learning and collaboration. An excellent cook, Mary was especially known for her Wienerschnitzel and Christmas candies. She was also an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy and enjoyed taking crafting classes, always eager to learn something new.

Mary is survived by her children; Krista (Mike) Takacs and Erik (Gillian) Hoversten, as well as her grandchildren; Mathias Takacs and Eli Takacs.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Joseph Boborci.

Visitation will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, on Thursday January 1, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The following day, January 2, 2026, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, located at 530 Elizabeth St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 beginning at 11:00 am.

Following mass, Mary will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery.