Mary Hallgarth Preisler

Mary Elizabeth Hallgarth Preisler, beloved mother and grandmother, decided at age 75 that July 30, 2014 would be a good day to go to Heaven. She has reunited with her parents, William and Elizabeth Shaw Hallgarth, and her younger siblings, Thomas Joseph Hallgarth, Carol Ann Megill, and Peggy St. Amand, as well as many close friends. Left here to celebrate her life are her five children, seven grandchildren, four nephews, two nieces, many dear friends and sorority sisters, and hundreds of students who will always remember “Mrs. Preisler” as the teacher who taught them how to read.

Mary was born February 10, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey and graduated Class of 1957 at Manasquan High School. She was the Secretary for the Future Teachers of America club in High School, and received her teaching degree from Newark State College. Mary loved teaching kindergarten (sometimes first grade too) and did so for 35 years. Alpha Delta Kappa (an International Organization for Women Educators), was an important part of her life and she proudly served as the Delta Lambda Chapter President from 1990-1992. She spent most of her career in Florida before retiring to North Carolina.

When speaking of her North Carolina home, she often told people she lived on the ‘best street in America’ in part because of how beautiful the daffodils are in the spring and in part because of her fabulous neighbors. In her final years, “Grams” as everyone called her, enjoyed playing cards, watching any movie with Hugh Grant in it, and especially loved watching her hummingbirds do their ‘happy dance’ around the feeder.

Mary was cherished as a mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, friend, confidant, encourager, cheerleader - and she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, those touched by Mary’s life are encouraged to donate to the Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation. Mail to 1615 W. 92nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64114-3296 or donate online at alphadeltakappa.org. Please put Preisler Memorial in the memo line.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mary will be held at 2pm on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the DeBary Golf and Country Club, 300 Plantation Club Road, DeBary, Florida 32713. Those able to attend are encouraged to wear purple.