Maria Ling Lin Hocking

Maria was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong in 1953. A year and a half later, she and her parents Alan and Nancy Lin, immigrated to the United States under the Refugee Relief Act of 1953 aboard the SS President Cleveland—a voyage that would become the defining chapter of their lives. In 1961 she and her parents became US Citizens.

Maria graduated from the University of Maryland in 1975 with degrees in mathematics and computer science. She began her career in 1976 at Vitro, an engineering firm in Aspen Hill that was then the largest private employer in Montgomery County, Maryland. Starting as a programmer on an IBM 360/370 mainframe system, she worked on numerous innovative projects, including learning braille to develop a Metrorail map for the visually impaired, contributing to Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CADAM) system, and supporting Computer-Aided Acquisition and Logistics Support (CALS) system. In 1993, as Vitro was acquired by Tracor Systems, and then Quality Systems, Inc., Marconi Electronic Systems, and finally BAE Systems, Maria continued her steadfast employment by serving onsite at various military and defense intelligence agencies in multiple capacities, ultimately retiring in 2019.

Maria married the love of her life, Conrad Hocking, in 1977, and they shared 47 wonderful years together. She is survived by her devoted husband, Conrad; her sisters, Pearl Smisko, and her husband, Mike; and Julia Lin-Peczkowski and her husband, Greg. Maria also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews: Stephanie, Alan, and Daniel Smisko, as well as Jonathan and Sara Peczkowski. She cared deeply for her family and friends, and her warmth and love will remain in our hearts forever.

A visitation for Maria will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. A Celebration of Life ceremony will follow from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the same location. A graveside service will be held later that day at 2:30 PM at Parklawn Memorial Park, 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, Maryland 20853, followed by interment.