Mary Pardue Hofler

April 26, 1924-April 24, 2015

Raleigh

Mary Louise Pardue Hofler, 90, of Raleigh, died suddenly at her home at The Cypress while doing something she loved –planting flowers on a beautiful spring day. She was preceded in death by her husband, John G. Hofler, and her brother, Ben Pardue.

Mary was born April 26, 1924 in Paris, TN to Charles Pardue and Margaret McSpadden Pardue. She attended the University of Tennessee, where she earned a B.S in Nursing in 1946. Moving to Memphis, she worked as a hospital RN, caring for many war veterans. It was in Memphis where she met the love of her life and future husband of 65 years, John G. “Jack” Hofler of Gatesville, NC.

Mary and Jack lived in Durham, NC where she was a pediatric RN at Duke Hospital while Jack attended Wake Forest College. Thereafter they moved to Washington DC where Mary worked as a hospital RN and made many life-long friends over 15 years. Her two children were born there. Mary was a dedicated mother, homemaker and active volunteer in her children’s PTA, scouts and sports. A business opportunity moved the family to Raleigh in the mid-1960s, which became Mary’s home for nearly 50 years.

As a long-time member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Mary was awarded an honorary Life Membership in the Presbyterian Women in 2001. Her Christian faith was strong and an important guide to her life. She was an active member and former Chairman of Circle C and led the Baptismal Sampler gift program for 35 years, stitching hundreds herself. Mary was a member of Drewry Hills Garden Club and a past volunteer at the NC History Museum and the Women’s Correctional Center ministry. Being outdoors and at the beach, playing bridge with dear friends in two long-time groups, antiquing, reading, and keeping a beautiful home gave her great pleasure. Nothing meant more to her than her beloved husband, for whom she unselfishly cared; her children, grandchildren and new great-grandson; and her many friends.

Mary is survived by daughter, Margaret Ann Hofler and Larry Laxton of Winston-Salem; son John G. Hofler, Jr. and wife Susan of Darlington, SC; grandchildren John G. Hofler, III and wife Laura Anne; Katharine Hofler Dabbs and husband Dixon; John Christopher Bunce; great-grandson John G. Hofler, IV; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 Wednesday, April 29 at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, or to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, 3808 Tarheel Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609.