Mary Isabel Dier

Mary Isabel Jencks, 85, of Lake Worth, FL, passed away peacefully and gently on November 19, 2014 after a long illness with her family at her side. She was born June 1, 1929 in New York City, the daughter of the late Chester H. and Mary I. Jencks.

She married Otto James Dier, Jr. on September 3, 1948 and together they raised four children, living in Levittown and Plainview, NY. Mary and Otto were happily married for more than 66 years and were soul mates. She really enjoyed her children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She started college part time at the suggestion of her oldest daughter and earned an Associate’s Degree in Medical Technology from Farmingdale College in 1975. Originally Mary worked at Natcon Pharmaceuticals as a QA Specialist. Later she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Empire State College, with the encouragement of her husband and children. All were quite proud of this accomplishment.

Otto was self-employed and Mary kept the books. They were always a team. After completing her AA degree, Mary was employed by the Nassau County Health Department at the laboratory in Mineola, NY as a Lab Technician. She loved her job and her coworkers. She retired from the Health Department after twenty-three years of service in 1998. In addition to working, Mary enjoyed her family, her garden in New York and was an avid reader until the end of her life. Mary and Otto retired to Lake Worth, FL in 1999. Mary enjoyed the climate and especially the community pool!

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis Capello, infant son, Phillip Dier, and granddaughter, Alexis Stratigeas.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister: Eleanore Tompkins of Oak Bluffs, MA, three daughters: Elizabeth (Craig) Woodcock of Leesburg, FL, Barbara (John) Flatley of Snow Hill, MD and Deborah (Robert) Gluck of Medford, NY; son, Thomas Dier of New York City, NY; Grandchildren: Matthew (Melissa) Woodcock , Brett Woodcock, Morgan (Sage) Withrow, Nicholas Stratigeas, Christopher (Susannah) Stratigeas, Otto (Katie) Ordemann, Dennis Ordemann, Lindsey Dier and Justin Dier; 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Sunday December 7, 2014 from 12pm-2pm at the Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home, Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY. Celebration of Life, to follow calling hours at 2 pm. Internment will be at Long Island National Cemetery Monday, December, 8 2014.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice By The Sea, Inc. – Trustbridge of Palm Beach County or your favorite charity.