On Saturday, December 13th, 2014, Mary A. Hatfield, 87 passed peacefully at William Child's Hospice house in Palm Bay surrounded by loving family. Mary was born January 5th, 1927 to Louis and Della Strange in Loogootee, Indiana. She is now enjoying a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time, including her late husband, Dr. Jack J. Hatfield, M.D., son, Jack Joseph (Joe) Hatfield, brothers, James, Robert and William Strange and brother-in-law Dr. Don Bomalaski. Her bright spirit is carried on by brothers, John and David Strange, sister, Julia Bomalaski, daughters, Pamela (Ralph) Gemmer, Kristen (Paul) Shealy, Heidi Chavers, Kitty (Stan) Lyons, daughter-in-law Marie-France Clusel Hatfield, nine much loved grandchildren and 19 dear nieces and nephews.
Mary earned her Registered Nursing diploma from St Vincent's School of Nursing in Indianapolis and later obtained her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for 47 years where along side her husband, Dr. Jack Hatfield, they provided care to families in Indianapolis and then locally in Central Brevard County. Together they dedicated countless hours of volunteer time to area students providing free physicals for those who might otherwise be excluded from sports. After retiring from their medical practice, Mary continued her volunteer service to the community for the St Vincent De Paul Society of Merritt Island and later at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Jasper, Indiana.
She and Dr Jack were involved in the Sports Car Club of America. Their interests included antiquing and together they built an impressive collection of McCoy pottery after receiving a piece as a treasured gift. She was a die-hard fan of Mustang and Seminole football. Mary had a late blooming passion for running, taking trophies in some of her age group races. She switched to walking in her 70's and that remained a passion of hers until the end.
To all who knew Mary Hatfield, she was dedicated to her family and friends, her church and community. Encouraging and helping youth in the community to reach their potential was a special gift she gave to many over the years. She believed in 2nd chances and rooting for underdogs. The core of her being was helping others.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, December 20th, at 4 pm, at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 North Courtney Parkway, Merritt Island, Florida. Contributions may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Society of Merritt Island or a charity of your choice.
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