Where does one begin to tell the story of a beautiful life, one that spanned just shy of a century, and ended during a global pandemic, but not because of it? Perhaps at the beginning, in the heartland – specifically Dubuque, Iowa- where Mary Annette Hanover was born into this world on December 11, 1922. She was the pride and joy of the Hanovers- Helen Pearl (who went by Pearl) and Henry Joseph (who went by Harry). This first daughter would be known around the Hanover homestead as “Nettie”. One wonders what it was about these good folks that they were compelled to go by names other than their given ones? Mary was soon joined by her two beloved sisters, Harriet and Joan Hanover.
Mary was raised in the bustling metropolis of Dubuque, Iowa (Population about 39,000), on the great Mississippi River, and on nearby family farms, just as the country was emerging from the pain of WWI into the crazy time of the roaring 20’s. Her life then, and always, seems to have been filled by faith, family, and fun.
Faith. Mary was raised Roman Catholic. But as much as her regular participation in church activities, Mary’s faith was part of her career and her way of life. She graduated from Mercy Hospital Nursing School in Dubuque in 1944, and began her extraordinary nursing career there, a Catholic institution. She ministered there until she met and married a young man- a recovering patient- who had been wounded in battle in France during WWII. She and Bill were married in the Church in 1948 and moved to Oregon where Bill pursued education, at University of Portland, through the GI Bill, and Mary embarked on a storied career at Providence Hospital(now Portland Providence Medical Center). For almost four decades, until her retirement in 1987, she provided comfort, care and love to countless patients in the respectful manner of her Catholic faith. She was instrumental in starting the first Oncology unit at Providence, along with her good friend, Dr. Peter Kane and his colleagues, Drs. Gordon Doty(deceased) and David Regan. Mary and Bill were founding members of St. Mary Magdalene (the Madeleine) Parish in NE Portland, where she attended faithfully until the pandemic halted in-person services. Bill and Mary remained married over 69 years until his death in 2018. Their five children all were provided the gift of education at the parish school, and Catholic high schools. Mary was a member of the choir for many years. Recently, Mary was able to attend Mass last Easter and planned to return to regular front row attendance at Sunday Mass but she was instead called to heaven.
Family. Since Mary’s father had no sons, he shared his skills with his eldest daughter, much like a son would have been treated in those days. That meant she learned early and well how to use tools, and how to maintain of fix things mechanical and around the house. In addition, she acquired many keen domestic skills from her mother, the kind more often associated with young women of that bygone era. Thus, Mary was also a wonderful comfort food cook, pie and cake baker, gardener and a fastidious house cleaner. She could grow bountiful produce in a tiny garden plot and knew how to can the fruits and vegetables that wouldn’t be eaten fresh. She used these skills right up to the time of her death. Her vegetable garden for 2021 is flourishing now on the south side of the family home.
Mary’s family was central to her life and she was central to our family. She leaves behind five children – Patrick Mackin, Timothy Mackin, Cherril Decker, Mary (Mark) Zipse and Martha (Stein) Nielsen-as well as 12 grandchildren (John, Kevin and James Mackin, Kerry Decker-Cohen, Margaret and John Decker, Kathleen(Kate), Daniel(Danny) and MaryRose Zipse, Erika, Stein William (Will) and Natalie Nielsen; two great granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews. When the first granddaughter was learning to speak, she could not quite pronounce grandma, so she called Mary Annette “Gigi” and almost everyone else has called her that name for about the last 40 years. Even Mary’s husband, Bill, called her Gigi. That same grandchild is now following her grandmother’s calling in medicine and is a Nurse Practitioner in California. In a meeting with hospital caregivers during Mary’s final days, that grandchild described the family as a “matriarchal family” and Gigi as the Matriarch. That truth resonates with us all. If you lost your mother, through death or separation, Gigi would enfold you in her arms and softly whisper “I’ll be your mom.” She enlarged her family many times in that way. It was always about family.
Fun. Who could know Mary Mackin and not know of her playful fun-loving side? She had that sparkle in her eye, that elfish grin and silly giggle when something struck her funny. She would ham it up with grandkids, donning a fake mustache and puffing on a fake cigar just like the kids. Heck, not more than a couple of months ago, after most in the family had been vaccinated against COVID -19, she conspired with two grandkids to get a tattoo to show off at the upcoming Easter gathering. Before dessert was served Gigi suddenly got to her feet, turned to face the wall, and started to pull down the top of her pants to show off the figure of a lovely flower, just below her belt line! Well, no one could believe it, and she finally laughed out loud that it “ a fake”!
But DON’T count the card games she played as fun. No, sir, that was serious business – from Bridge to Euchre – you could win a dollar! She was a wicked card player. But, she did have a soft spot for slot machines. On her 90th birthday she took a busload of friends to Chinook Winds Casino at the Oregon coast. Except for a hiatus when they were closed due to the pandemic, Mary Annette would never turn down a chance for a trip to a Casino, including just 8 weeks ago in Palm Springs after she was fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Mary led the way in life for her two beloved sisters, Harriet and Joan, but in death she would trail them, as well as her parents, loving husband, William Daley Mackin (who went by Bill), and grandson Thomas Mackin.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Portland, on June 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at: youtube.com/themadeleineparish
Private Interment to follow the funeral; Arrangements by Zeller Chapel of the Roses.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bill and Mary Mackin Endowed Scholarship Fund at Central Catholic High School in Portland.
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