Mary Hellen Moore Alexander
On August 10, Mary Hellen Moore Alexander lost her battle with lung cancer.
Mary was born in Shreveport, LA on January 8th, 1940 to Foster Morris and Truie Jane Ellzey Moore. She would be the first of four sisters; Jay Polozeck, Cristy Hansen and Terri Richardson. In 1954 the family moved to Beeville, TX. Mary was a freshman in High School. Beeville was good to Mary. Not only was she a member of the National Honor Society she was also a popular Cheerleader at AC Jones High School. She graduated with honors in 1958.
Mary would first feel the tug of uncharted territories when she decided to pursue a higher education. She earned her Associates Degree as a Certified Medical Technician at Gradwohl School of Medical Technology in St Lewis, MO. Quite fearless for a girl from a small town.
After graduating, she returned to Beeville where she met her husband, Charles Ray Alexander, a fighter pilot in the Marine Corp. They were married on May 2, 1964. These two would travel the globe together for the next fifty-one years. Mary and Chuck had two daughters, Karen Ann Alexander and Joy Alexander Neumann. They were blessed with three adored grandchildren, Zachary, Preston and Ryan Neumann and a wonderful Son in Law, Peter Neumann. This would complete their immediate family. Mary also proudly acted as surrogate mother to many "adopted" daughters and loved being an aunt to her nieces and nephews.
Mary's passport was full of stamps from exotic locations all over the world. Her adventurous spirit was a natural fit for her life as an explorer. Some of her favorite destinations included, Hawaii, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Red Sea, Philippines & Seychelles.
She was never afraid to try new things. This curiosity showed up everywhere from her love of cooking to her eclectic job resume. Mary was a medical technician in hospitals, clinics and veterinary clubs. She probably preferred the animals over the human patients. She even did some time as a censor for the radio station in Saudi Arabia.
By far her favorite job was as a Master Diver and Dive Instructor. Mary was responsible for introducing many novice divers to her passion for SCUBA. She was president of the Dhahran Scuba Diving Club for two years as well as an accomplished under water photographer. She led many experienced divers on diving trips all around the world. She also volunteered with her fellow divers in aiding with the rescue of wildlife effected by the oil spill caused by Sadam Hussein's Iraqi troops.
Mary loved to entertain and she ran a tight ship. She took great pride in her beautiful clean home and would complain about how difficult a task that was being married to her husband. Even so, they managed to entertain hundreds of soldiers in Saudi Arabia during the First Iraq war. She was also an active participant in the China Post division of the American Legion and the Marine Corps League, both of which came with a lot of entertaining responsibilities. She loved having a large crowd wherever she was. Thanksgiving was a real treat at Mary's house.
Mary took her responsibilities as a Marine Corp Wife seriously. At times this meant being a single mother. And at times this meant being a single mother in an unfamiliar location. She used her experiences to happily mentor younger wives and to help out with navy relief duties and all the entertainment requirements that went along with these responsibilities. She made lifelong connections with some Marine Corp wives. While the family was in Japan she was once seen helping Japanese fishermen bring in their boats prior to an approaching typhoon. She was proud to have served in her special way.
She had many interests. For a while in Japan she tried her hand at the Japanese art of flower arranging. One of the favorite of her many hobbies was breeding Persian cats in Saudi Arabia. Her kittens were prized throughout the kingdom. She was one of the original cat ladies.
Mary thrived as an expatriate in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. She was never intimidated by the unique cultural restrictions. She would happily take groups of ARAMCO women into town for some local shopping.
Since moving back to Texas in 1998, Mary and her sisters would get away once a year for a Sister Trip. She always looked forward to this time with her best friends though what went on was top secret. "What happened on Sister Trips stayed on Sister Trips." She also enjoyed spending weekends working on quilts with her sisters and her nieces.
She left us with the quiet strength and grace that she carried with her through life. She passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and friends. She touched so many lives, giving meaningful advice when asked. She didn't always say much but when she did, it would be heartfelt and worth listening to. She was loved by many people and will be missed all around the globe.
Everyone who met Mary knew she had a generous heart. She loved to support her Animal Rescue Charities. To honor her giving spirit we are asking that you donate to Best Friends Animal Society in lieu of flowers. http://bestfriends.org/Get-Involved/Donate/Give-a-Tribute-Gift/
The family is planning a Celebration of Life in her honor on Saturday, August 15th. Please stop by if you are able from 11:00 through 7:00. 7009 Shepherds Glenn, Colleyville, TX 76034.
If you are planning to come from out of town and need a place to stay here are some local hotel suggestions.
Comfort Inn
301 Capital St
Grapevine, TX 76051
855-239-9246
Super 8/DFW Airport NW
250 E St Hwy 114 @ Main St
Grapevine, TX 76051
855-238-1592
Hilton Garden Inn DFW N Grapevine
205 W State Hwy 114
Grapevine, TX 76051
855-239-9477
Holiday Inn Express & Suites DFW - Grapevine
309 State Hwy 114
Grapevine, TX 76051
855-239-9222
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she's gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
~ David Harkins