On July 8, 2023, the world lost a sweet, sweet beautiful soul.
Mary Cathleen Moore was the most selfless, loving, and giving person to all who knew her. She went to be with the angels, but she’s always had wings.
She was born in San Antonio, Tex., on May 2, 1945, to Paul and Carlene (Little) Hinkley. Her parents soon moved back to Michigan to live on the family farm in Evart, and eventually moved to Clarkston where Mary graduated from high school in 1963. She went on to attend Western Michigan University, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Elementary Education. Mary had a beautiful voice, performing some, and singing always.
Mary married Richard Moore on Aug. 10, 1968, and they had three children: Kristen, Jenny, and Jason. They moved to Traverse City, where Mary was a devoted teacher at Kingsley Area Schools, retiring after 36 years of service. Mary loved reading, nature, wildlife, flowers, and most of all – the Grand Traverse Bay. She worked tirelessly to support kids – her students and her own children, alike. She was such a hard worker who would unconditionally do whatever was needed. She was a coach, a driver, a tutor, a spectator, a comforter, an encourager, an inspirer, and she often worked behind the scenes for school, church, and community events. Her advice to her kids was to “Keep love in your hearts,” and she radiated this mantra.
She lived for and is survived by her three children Kristen (Dave) Cove, Jennifer (Wayne) Wasilenski, and Jason Moore. She has six grandchildren (“her babies” as she called them) Emmett, Ashton, Ellie, Ty, Johnathan, and Molly. She took care of, loved, and supported them all so very deeply. Mary has three brothers who she adored: Paul Hinkley, Tim (Dawn) Hinkley, and Jim Hinkley along with her three nieces Shawn, Andrea, and Lolinthea.
Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Activities Department at Maple Ridge Manor in Lowell, MI, c/o Heidi Barber. A memorial service will be held at Kirkbride Hall in the Village of Grand Traverse Commons, 700 Cottage View Dr., Suite 200, Traverse City, MI 49684 on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Forest Hills Cemetery in Evart at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6.