Mary was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on March 21, 1938. Mary graduated from Calvin College, earned a Master’s of Social Work from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Mary wed Jay M. Van Hook on August 31, 1960.
Mary devoted her career to helping families and children through social work, in both clinical and academic settings. She was a professor of social work, including at the University of Michigan and the University of Central Florida, where she served as Director of the UCF School of Social Work. She authored many academic articles and several books, including Social Work Practice with Families: A Resiliency-Based Approach (Oxford University Press). In retirement she continued her dedication to helping children as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, a court-appointed advocate for children in foster care and dependency court proceedings. After years of hard work, the adoption of Mary’s last client was finalized just two days after her death.
Mary was a member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church and was active in the choir, Session, and many social justice causes, including helping to build her church’s relationship with a sister church in Cuba.
Mary loved animals (especially her three cats), traveling the world with her husband, watercolor painting, and gardening. Mary’s life reflected her remarkable compassion, love, brilliance, and optimism. She loved meeting people and being a part of her church and neighborhood communities. She was a never-ending source of love and support to her family.
Mary is survived by her husband Jay, with whom she shared nearly 62 years of marriage; her four children and their spouses, Carie and Patrick Jasperse, Stephen and Jenny Van Hook, Suzanne Van Hook and Isaac Appiah, and John Van Hook and Wendy Levine; her grandchildren, Jacob Van Hook, Dietre Van Hook, Peter Jasperse, Isabelle Appiah, Joseph Jasperse, and Randy Van Hook; and her sister-in-law Marguerite Van Hook.
A memorial service will be held at Winter Park Presbyterian Church on September 10 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alliance for International Reforestation Guatemala (airguatemala.org), Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando (petallianceorlando.org), or the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida (centralfloridahomeless.org).
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