Mary H. Thompson

Dorothy Mary Hoehler Thompson, 80, died December 24, 2010, in Newton, Massachusetts.

Mary was a fascinating and free-spirited individual, who filled her life with interesting work and unique individuals. Born November 23, 1930, the eldest daughter of Harry G. Hoehler and Dorothy Heyden Hoehler, of Wayne, Pennsylvania, Mary graduated from Tredyffrin- Easttown High School in 1949, and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she studied music and education. She graduated from IUP in 1953 and later received a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania.

During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Mary was head of the music department at The Springside School, in Philadelphia. At this time she was also involved with the Singing City Choir of Philadelphia. Mary left music education to start her own counseling practice and, throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, was very involved with several local organizations, serving on the board of directors of Women Organized Against Rape and the International Primal Therapy Association. When her children were grown, Mary spent time travelling with friends, most memorably to Greece, and eventually returned to the University of Pennsylvania, where she began academic work toward a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology.

Mary relocated to West Reading, Pennsylvania, where she continued her private counseling practice, and served on the faculty of Reading Area Community College. After retirement from RACC, she sold her home and spent time travelling in New England, eventually settling in Waltham, Mass. Toward the end of her life, Mary was a resident of Sunrise Assisted Living and EPOCH Assisted Living in Weston, Massachusetts.

Mary is survived by her brother and sister in-law, the Revs. Harry H. and Judy L. Hoehler of Lincoln, MA; her sister and brother in-law, Bonnie and Jake Metz of Limerick, PA; her son, L. Miles Thompson of Philadelphia, PA and his former wife, Gwyneth MacArthur of Melrose Park, PA; her daughter, Laura Thompson and her husband, Leonid Lozinsky of Newton, MA; her step-son, Robert Bruce Thompson III and his wife, Phoebe Everson of Plattsburgh, NY; grandchildren, Benjamin Thompson, Joshua Thompson, Kira Hanlan and her fiancé, Seamus Dougherty, Brigid MacArthur-Thompson, Rhys MacArthur-Thompson, Rebecca Lozinsky and Maya Lozinsky; great-grand children Maeve Dougherty, Fiona Dougherty, Coleen Dougherty; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her former husband, Robert Bruce Thompson, Jr., and her granddaughter, Kelsey Hanlan.

A Memorial Service to honor Mary's life will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the Radnor Monthly Meeting, Conestoga Road & Route 320, Radnor, PA, 19087.

Memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19102, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011,
Washington, DC 20090-6011.