Berle Maurice Hedman

Maurice Hedman, age 98, was called to Heaven on December 29, 2018. She was born in Quinlan, Texas, to John Henry and Carrie Belle Green. She no doubt was born with a smile on her face as she was known for that all her life. Her father was a hardworking farmer. Growing up in the country, helping in the fields and doing what was necessary to help out was not always an easy life, but it taught her and her sister, Atha Lee, many important life lessons and skills.

After finishing business school in Dallas she had a number of interesting jobs but the one she enjoyed most was working at Utah’s Hill Field Air Force Base during World War ll. She was hired for secretarial work but was quickly promoted to interviewing and screening prospective employees. Since it was wartime, it was her responsibility to report any suspicious applicants. She took her job seriously and to do her part in keeping America safe she proudly reported some “shady characters”.

It was on a train during World War ll that she met the love of her life, Eddie Hedman. She was headed to New York State to visit her sister. In her train car was a rowdy group of Army soldiers on leave. Upon seeing a beautiful woman sitting ahead of him, Eddie turned to his buddies and said, “that’s the woman I’m going to marry” and that’s just what they did. After the war ended they married on March 3, 1946 and spent the next 53 years together making a wonderful life with precious memories and raising two children, Ronnie and Susan. They were supportive in all ways and loved their children dearly.

Maurice was a bundle of energy and always on the go. She volunteered her time helping others, taught women to sew in the Prison Ministry, made Teddy Bears for the Fire Department and heart shaped cough pillows for open heart surgery patients, collected items for the needy, worked with Houston Area Assistance Ministries, collected toys for Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Boxes and volunteered at the Beltway 8 South Crisis Pregnancy Center.

The joy of her life was when her precious grandchildren Erica and Troy were born. She was so proud and happy. Then later, Erica and Tommy gave her a beautiful great-grandson Dean. Her prayers were finally answered to be able to have a great grandchild.

Maurice loved plants, flowers and communing with nature. Her back yard was overflowing with beautiful plant varieties that she had nurtured with loving care. Granddaughter Erica Diaz said, “My church going Grandma was known to periodically steal plant clippings from the local arboretum. Her green thumb was legendary”.

Maurice and Eddie were faithful members of Sagemont Church and their love of God never wavered. They were charter members of the Sagemont Church RV Club and were also members of the “Ding-A-Lings”, the Southwestern Bell Telephone RV group. Their travels were wide and the friends they made were many. Eddie eventually became unable to drive the motorhome so they decided to trade it in for a 28 foot model so Maurice could take over the driving duties. Maurice would pack up all the gear, get Eddie into the RV, hook up the “tow behind” Toyota and off they would go! After Eddie passed away, she continued her RV adventures and would meet up with her RV friends at various campgrounds.

At the age of 86 she finally gave up driving the RV and permanently parked it at a campground in Sealy where she would often go to spend a few days. Her independent nature and “no fear” attitude were what kept her feisty all of her life.

Maurice lived at The Village of the Heights over the past two years. Her stubborn “I can do it myself” attitude kept her as independent as she could be. She loved the staff and appreciated the love, care and attention they gave her.

She will be missed by many but none more than her loving family.

Survived by son Ronnie Hedman, daughter Susan Hedman and wife Noël Paden (her other daughter as she would say), granddaughter Erica and husband Tommy Diaz, grandson Troy Hedman, great grandson Dean Diaz. Nephews Edward and wife Suzy Driscoll, Stephen and wife Kathy Driscoll, Phillip Driscoll and Paul Driscoll.

Preceded in death by husband Edwin Hedman, parents John Henry and Carrie Belle Green, sister Atha Lee and husband Dr. Edward Driscoll.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Beltway 8 South Crisis Pregnancy Center or the charity of your choice.