Mary Hodson Stoecker

Mary Hodson Stoecker, age 88, passed away on March 19, 2006, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born in Carthage, Missouri on June 3, 1918, and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1939, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

She married John V. Stoecker on Christmas Day in 1941, and they lived all over the world during his 30 years of service with the US Army. They retired in 1969, in Forest Park, Georgia, where she lived until 2001. She was an active member of the St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Forest Park, where she served on the Alter Guild for 25 years and the Clayton County Cancer Society for 15 years, contributing her artistic talents for their Annual Ball. She also served as President of the Clayton County Art Alliance, as she was an avid water-color artist and showed her award winning work in various competitions and shows throughout Georgia. In 2001, she moved to San Antonio to be closer to her daughter.

Mary was widowed for 27 years, as she was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel John Van Dover Stoecker and parents, Robert and Helen Hodson. She is survived by her daughter, Sally Gildart and husband, David of San Antonio; son, John Stoecker and wife, JoBeth of Sugar Hill, Georgia; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Our mother was a jewel who brought beauty to many people throughout her lifetime. Her gracious and warm personality will forever be etched in our hearts. Her talent, wit and joy for life will continue to inspire our lives.

SERVICE IN SAN ANTONIO WAS HELD

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006, 10:00 A.M.

ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1416 North Loop 1604 East

Rev. Charles Woehler officiated. Interment followed at Holy Cross Mausoleum.

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MEMORIAL SERVICE IN MORROW, GEORGIA TO BE HELD

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2006, 11:00 A.M.

ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1221 MORROW RD., MORROW, GEORGIA 30260

Reception to follow service.