Mary Hiltabidle

She was 91 years old. Mary had a true zest for life that was infectious to all of those around her. She truly loved her family and friends with all of her heart. She often said near the end of her life that love was the most important thing.

Mary impacted countless lives through her early work as a nurse and many volunteer organizations. Some of the groups that she was very involved with included Hospice of the Chesapeake, Anne Arundel Medical Center Auxiliary, Anne Arundel County branch of the American Cancer Society, and The Christ Child Society. She was also a volunteer and member of St Anne's Church in Annapolis for over 60 years. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, family and strangers alike.

Mary and Steve enjoyed sailing, skiing, scuba diving, and traveling. They were also longtime members of the Annapolis Yacht Club, Cruising Club of America, and the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake. She was also an avid reader and truly enjoyed her book club.

Mary was born on May 16, 1931 to Elna and Lester Baker in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She graduated from South Dakota State University then went on to receive another degree from Sioux Valley School of Nursing. She then bravely boarded a train by herself to Washington, DC where she became a nurse at George Washington University Hospital. Shortly thereafter she met her future husband Stephen who was an intern at the same hospital and began their adventurous and loving life together.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elna and Lester Baker, husband Dr. Stephen B. Hiltabidle, brother Lawrence Baker, sisters Lois Costello and Jeannie Baker.

She is survived by her loving sisters Dorothy Varnes (Norman) and Carol Regier (Gene); her children, Bart Hiltabidle (Beth), Nan Burdett (Mark) and Michael Hiltabidle (Megan); her grandchildren Lauren Williams, Katie Herdener (Paul), Max Hiltabidle, Cara Hiltabidle, Audrey Hiltabidle and Brian Hiltabidle; and her great grandchildren Tess and Asa Herdener.

Mary was a truly caring person who enjoyed life to the fullest and always saw the good in everyone. She was always quick with a joke or funny story to brighten the day of her friends and family. She would want to be remembered with a smile and a fond memory.

Donations can be made in her name to the Hospice of the Chesapeake.