She was born in Houston, Texas on December 6, 1932, to loving parents, Dewey Joseph Hector and Marjorie Futch Hector. After moving to New Orleans as a teenager, she attended St. Joseph Academy.
Mary had a successful career serving for 27 years as the secretary to the Admiral of the 8th District of the United States Coast Guard, culminating in the highest civilian position.
She was preceded in death by her former spouse, Ralph F. Salzer Sr.; her beloved son, Marc Dewey Salzer; and her brother, Robert Carroll Hector.
She is survived by her other children, Ralph Salzer Jr. (Catherine), Brian Salzer (Wanda), Clinton Salzer, Karen Salzer Ligori (Stephen), and Kate Salzer DeAgano; siblings, Michael Dewey Hector, Francis Norbert Hector, Sybil Ann Pfeffer, Marian Laine Kramer, and Clay Leon Laine; 20 beloved grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA, on Monday, April 6, 2026. Family will be greeting visitors from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with Mass beginning at Noon and reception following.
