Mary Kaczmarek

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Kaczmarek— announces her passing on August 21, 2021. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Mary was a light to many. Her vivacity and spunkiness filled the room along with everyone’s hearts.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 44 years, Dr. Norman Kaczmarek; children: Tom Kaczmarek (Vanessa) and Beth Kaczmarek (Bryan Craig); grandchildren: Elaina and Zora Kaczmarek; brother, Paul Hrdy (Helen); sister, Sue Oppegard (Mark); as well as other relatives and countless friends.

She was predeceased by her parents: Frank Hrdy and Joan Maxon Hrdy.

Mary was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on October 10, 1951, and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After finishing high school at Lincoln High in Sioux Falls, Mary attended the University of Nebraska, earning a BS in Psychology and graduating Phi Beta Kappa. She continued her education at Washington University in St. Louis, receiving a Master’s in Social Work in 1974. After graduate school, she went to work at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband, Norm.

Their adventurous spirit drove Mary and Norm out West, where they settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1978. Mary first worked as a medical social worker, then helped establish and manage her husband’s medical practice until he retired in 2014. Once very active in the community, Mary volunteered at the Girls’ Group Home and was a past member of St. John’s Methodist Church. She was also very active in her children’s lives coaching Little League, leading Cub Scouts, serving as a class parent, and working on the Parent Hiring Committee. She loved to cook and travel and enjoyed fine dining. Mary’s generosity and thoughtfulness towards family and friends will never be forgotten. Her actions of kindness will live on forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring. Memorial Donations may be made in Mary’s name to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Egis and St. Vincent’s for their care and compassion.

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