Mary Gerecke

Mary Hartsell Gerecke, 82, of Waco, Texas, passed away on February 22, 2025 in Arlington, Texas at Kindred Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 beginning at 10 AM at OakCrest Funeral Home with Blaine Akers, Mary’s Great-Nephew, officiating. Internment with husband William (Bill) B. Gerecke, M.D. will be in Killeen, Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Mary was born in San Antonio, Texas to John and Jewel Hartsell on April 29, 1942. She attended school in Cotulla, Texas. Upon graduation from Cotulla High School, Mary attended University of Texas in Austin and received her degree in education. Following graduation Mary got a job with Air France and worked as a reservations agent for 5 years. Mary wanted to immerse herself in learning the Spanish language and moved to Mexico where she eventually met Bill. They enjoyed many adventures traveling together and enjoying life before they were married on February 17, 1967 in Galveston, Texas. Bill and Mary lived in Houston but eventually moved to Waco, and made their home and lived their lives. She was a teacher at Lorena High School, where she taught Spanish classes. Mary was passionate about educating students and encouraging them to strive to be their best. After her husband’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s, she joined a Parkinson’s Support Group, to help others navigate this journey, and headed this group for many years. Part of Mary’s adventures led her to supporting many families and students in Nicaragua, along with Bill Patterson, a dear friend. She also led VBS activities during summers at a Native American Reservation in New Mexico with a church from Ft. Worth. Mary was a friend to many Waco residents offering rides to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and running errands with and for friends; always willing to lend a hand when needed. She is loved not only by her family but also, her many friends and former students. Mary had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling the world. She was full of life and wit. Mary was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt. Mary will be missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives of those she touched.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William B. Gerecke; parents, John and Jewel Hartsell; brother, John Mac and wife Gwynel Hartsell; brother-in-law, Clyde Finch; nieces Cynthia Finch and Lee Love; and great-nephew, CJ Finch.

Mary is survived by her family, Billie Marie Taylor and husband Tim, Caroline Sinclair, and Marc Gerecke; twin sister, Margaret Finch; grandchildren, Amy Sinclair and life partner, Emmanuel "Mani" Flatten, Rudd Taylor & wife, Rebekah Heller, and Lake Taylor; and many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces/nephews.

The family of Mary wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Providence Hospital doctors and nurses for the care Mary received. We’d also like to thank Mary’s many friends who loved her and cherished her like family.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that you make a donation to Parkinson's Research.