Mary Lois Hailstone

Mary Lois Hailstone, born on May 11, 1947, in Long Beach, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 15, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Mary's journey was one of love, resilience, and adventure, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her. Mary was the beloved daughter of Charles Adelbert Orr and Mary Lois Holt. She is now reunited in eternal peace with her parents, her stepfather Frank Cormier, and her cherished husbands, Danial F. Hailstone and Bob Tice. Her spirit lives on through her sister Patricia, her sons Edward 'Chip' v S Hailstone and William von Scheerschmidt, her two nieces Stacy Rumph and Stephanie Garabedian, and her extensive and loving family that includes 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Educated at Whitter Union High School, Mary began her career as a seamstress before contributing to the aviation industry as a riveter at Boeing. Her quest for knowledge led her to Rio Hondo Community College, where she pursued nursing, a career she dedicated herself to for 39 years. As a registered nurse, Mary worked tirelessly across California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska, helping countless individuals with her gentle care and compassion. Mary's life was not only defined by her professional achievements but also by her creative spirit and love for adventure. An accomplished painter and doll maker, she was also an avid seamstress in her spare time. Her love for the outdoors was evident in the many camping and fishing trips she enjoyed with her family, a passion that continued in her later years in the beautiful landscapes of Alaska. Mary's family fondly remembers her as a loving and generous mother, whose education and dedication to her work served as an inspiration to all. Her ability to navigate life with a smile, even in challenging times, earned her the affectionate title of a "survivor of life." A celebration of Mary's life will be held on August 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Kotzebue Episcopal Church in Kotzebue, Alaska. Her family invites all who knew and loved Mary to join in honoring her remarkable life and enduring spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary's memory to a charity of your choice. Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the love and support shown during this difficult time. Mary's life was a tapestry of love, adventure, and kindness, and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.