Mary Alice Duck

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:21

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

If there are any words that could describe the life of Mary Alice Duck (née Hoppie), they would surely be these.

Mary was born on 27 May 1936 in Boise, Idaho, where she spent her childhood and grew into a gifted young woman with a remarkable talent for music. An accomplished oboe player, she earned a scholarship that brought her to Texas—a journey that would change the course of her life. There she met her future husband, Howard Becton Duck, Jr. They married and shared a devoted partnership for sixty-one years, building a home filled with faith in God until Howard's passing in November 2017.

Together they raised four beloved children: Virginia "Ginny" Leanne, Howard Bethel, Rebecca Marie, and David Timothy. Mary's heart endured the profound sorrow of losing her youngest son, David, on 21 July 2022. Though these losses weighed heavily upon her, her faith in God's goodness never wavered.

In the 1970s, Mary earned an Associate's Degree in Child Care, a vocation perfectly suited to the joyful spirit that defined her life. She spent many years nurturing and caring for children, offering the same love that flowed so naturally from her heart. Her own beautiful, childlike nature made children feel safe and loved.

To know Mary was to experience grace in action. She possessed a rare gift for making every person feel seen, welcomed, and important. She was profoundly generous—not merely in what she gave, but in who she was. Her warmth, compassion, quiet encouragement, and genuine interest in others brought hope to countless lives.

It would be impossible to measure the number of people whose burdens were lightened by her kindness, whose hearts were comforted by her gentle words, or whose lives were changed simply because Mary cared. If every testimony of those touched by her gracious nature, her warmth, and her sincere love for everyone she met were written down, the whole world could scarcely contain the books that would be written.

Mary lived a life of humble faithfulness. She did not seek recognition or praise, yet she reflected Christ in countless ordinary acts of love and service. She leaves behind not only a family who adored her, but a legacy of compassion, selflessness, steadfast faith, and enduring love that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

She was predeceased by her husband, Howard Becton Duck, Jr., and by her son, David Timothy Duck.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Virginia "Ginny" Leanne, Howard Bethel, and Rebecca Marie; by her grandchildren; by extended family; and by the many dear friends whose lives were immeasurably enriched through knowing her.

While our hearts grieve the loss of her earthly presence, we rejoice in the assurance of God's promise. Mary's race is finished. Her faith has become sight. She now rests in the presence of the Saviour she loved and served so faithfully throughout her life.

Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1–7

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

Until we meet again, may we honour Mary's memory by living with the same generous heart, quiet humility, steadfast faith, and unfailing love that she so freely gave to everyone around her.