Mary Alice Cecelia Hungate

1921 - 2015

Mary Alice Cecelia Hungate obituary, 1921-2015, Mclean, VA

BORN

1921

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Murphy Funeral Homes

1102 West Broad Street

Falls Church, Virginia

Mary Alice Hungate Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 8, 2015.

Mary Alice Meyers Hungate, age 93

She was born on December 26th, 1921 in Dickenson County, Iowa--the eldest daughter of John Henry Meyers and Winifred Adelaide Delaney Meyers and went to be with Our Lord on July 6th, 2015 in Arlington, Va.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Col. William C. Hungate, Jr. of Reed, KY, her eldest daughter, Kerry Hardy, her two brothers, Jack Meyers, Jay Meyers and a sister, Helen Leehey. . She is survived by a sister, Joyce Dusek, and her children: Douglas Hungate and his wife, Therese; Susan Cerimele; Deborah Zorn and her husband Reginald; Marianne Harman; son in law, Danny Hardy; 14 grandchildren (John Kennedy, Shannon Kennedy, Jennifer Hardy, Kimberly Matzenbacher, Meghan Hungate, Ellen Hungate, Regina Jobson, Christie Cerimele, Angelina Cerimele, Christina Watson, Kenneth Critz, Sarah Harman, Daniel Harman and Emma Harman); 10 great grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and close friends.

Mary Alice graduated from St. Anthony's Hospital School of Nursing in Carroll, Iowa in 1943 and later she joined the Army Nurse Corp in 1944 during World War II and was sent to England then Sissone, France where she met wounded infantry Capt. Hungate in the 241st General Army Hospital. They fell in love, began their courtship and on a 30 day leave back to the USA, Capt. Hungate married the love of his life in Milford, Iowa on March 28, 1946. They raised their five children together and were stationed in various cities in the United States as well as in Butzbach, Bad Nauheim and Mannheim, Germany with their final post in the Washington DC area. They were long time residents of Fairfax County and members of St John the Beloved Catholic Church in Mclean, Va.

After her husband's disability in 1961, Mary Alice went to work as a Registered Nurse at Arlington Hospital and retired after 23 years of service there. She was devoted to all her family, and by virtue of her fairness and no-nonsense approach to life, she became the "matriarch" whose advice and thoughts were sought after by so many. She would spend countless hours on the phone to extend comfort, encouragement, support, console or laugh with anyone who needed her. She was an avid seamstress, making many of her children's clothing in the early years, and enjoyed quilting, crafting, and flower gardening in her retirement years. Continuing her fierce independence after her husband's death in 2000, she stayed in the family home until 2009 when she moved to Vinson Hall Retirement Community in Mclean, Va. She was blessed all her years with strong mind and stubborn independence which despite her chronic back pain, allowed her to make several trips in the last couple years to Texas and Florida to visit family or attend military reunions. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and profoundly respected by all who were fortunate enough to meet her. She touched countless lives in her 93 years, her presence is now and forever will be in our thoughts and memories. She is now reunited with her loved ones gone before her--an angel in heaven watching over us still.

Visitation for family and friends will be at Murphy Funeral Home, at 1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, Va. on Sunday, July 19th from 2-5 PM. The Funeral Mass to be held at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA on Monday, July 20th at 11AM. Will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, Monday, Dec. 21st, 2015. Service begins at the Old Chapel at 12:45pm.


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

August 28, 2015

Barbara Meyers

Dear Hungate Family:

Losing your mom hits me just as if I lost another parent. She was the most beautiful person, wonderful soul and mentor. Besides my mother, Aunt Mary Alice showed me what unconditional love is.

Many people like to talk about all the things they do for someone else, "the sacrifices they make for others" - some people even keep score. Your mom wasn't one of those people. I never heard her recap any of her amazing acts of love. And, everyone knows - the list she never kept - would have been endless. That just wasn't your mom's style.

I've known a lot of people in my life and travels, and she was the essence of class, wisdom, calm and generosity.

The first and last word that I think of when it comes to your mom is "love".

She was love.

It's clear that she (and your dad, whom I loved tremendously) passed onto their children, those very same values. I always felt that closeness and love, whenever visiting with any of you.

She was an amazing and beautiful person. I know she will be missed as deeply by her nieces and nephews - as if she was one of our own parents.

There is simply no words to describe that type of profound loss.

My heart is with all of you!

Love,
-barbara

August 5, 2015

Debbie Nork

Mary Alice, your beautiful smile, calm presence, and positive outlook were an inspiration to me. You touched all who knew you with your faith and love. Age was merely a number. You strove to live life to the fullest and focused on the good in everything and everyone. I will miss you, but I do feel comfort in knowing that you're watching down on me and all of those who loved you!

July 28, 2015

Joyce Dusek

No one has ever had a better role model then I had growing up with my sister, Mary Alice. She displayed such integrity, character, morals and empathy. Her facial features strongly resembled our fathers in that she had his same easy going, pleasant personality. My twin brother, Jay, and I were 15 years younger than she and we would get so excited when she would return home from college, or work for a visit. We two little "urchins" would practically shadow her the whole time. She had the patience of a saint! She would always hug us and play games with us. The other siblings would grow tired of our peskiness after a short while but never Mary Alice. She was a highly respected Registered Nurse and influenced both Helen and I into following the same profession. I will forever miss her Monday night phone calls. She was an amazing, wonderful woman and the world was lucky to have her in it. She will truly be missed by all.
Sister-Joyce Meyers Dusek

July 19, 2015

Mary Wilson Dessimoz

What a great lady! I enjoyed working with her so much at "Arlington Hospital".

July 16, 2015

Steve Barnes

It was an honor to be your nephew. You were truly an amazing, awesome and caring person. All my prayers to all the family and know that she is watching over from heaven. God bless.

July 16, 2015

Dear Hungate Family,
I have many memories of living next door to you on Tazewell Street. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and may you find peace in knowing that your loved ones are reunited in Heaven.

Sincerely,
Marilyn Randall Pando

July 14, 2015

Kathy Leehey

Mary Alice it was a pleasure to know you. When you and two other sisters were togther you never knew what they were plotting. I toast the many wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all.

Niece, Kathy Leehey

July 14, 2015

Valerie Cone

I was so lucky to have had her in my life. She truly was an angel. May it bring you peace to know that you now have a guardian angel watching over you.

July 12, 2015

Dear, dear Mary Alice...You were the epitome of the commanding officer's wife when we met you during our deployment to Germany with 3rd Armored Division in the mid 50's- your easy-going, loving demeanor made it impossible for any future commander's wife to measure up. My husband John thought you hung the moon--we all agreed. I hope that you are giving him a hug up there! Know that we will miss you but we are better people for having known you.

Carolyn K (Petey) Gazlay

July 10, 2015

American Heart Association

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

July 10, 2015

Frank Washington

July 10, 2015

To the Hungate family,
We will always remember your Mother as a kind and sweet person and the loveliest of neighbors. The Copps family feels privileged to have known her.
Our condolences.

July 10, 2015

We feel so privileged to have been able to spend time in the company of Mary Alice.
She represented her husband and the 13th AIB Battalion with so much dignity and grace, she will be dearly missed.
We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Sandy & Charles Magaw, members of 13th AIB. Elkton, Md.

July 10, 2015

otelia ford

Words can never immediately heal the loss of a loved one, But with time and faith in the Lord, all things are possible. May God give You comfort through this period and coming future. Love you Debbie and you are in my prayer.

July 9, 2015

Kim Matzenbacher

Grandma, the most amazing woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will miss you so much but feel so blessed to have had you in my life. When I was young you were the grandma everyone wanted. You showered us with love and kindness, patience and understanding. As I got older I looked up to your wisdom and generosity. I aspire to be more like you every day. I love you and I know you are with mom right now looking down on us.
your granddaughter

July 9, 2015

We have lost a wonderful person and great friend. All of us who had gotten to know her through our reunions thought a lot of Mary Alice. We will have a moment of silence in remembrance of her at our 13th AIB reunion in September.
Bill and Deanna Hilton

July 9, 2015

Leslie Haughney

To Doug, Kerry (RIP), Susan, Debbie and Marianne, Your mom was the most special lady. She was virtually a second mom to everyone in our neighborhood when we were growing up. She was the most kind & witty person, and she was always there to support us all in everything that we did. I loved visiting her when I came back into town. You mom is with your dad now, Kerry too. Our most sincere condolences from the Ferris and Haughney Family

July 9, 2015

Chanda Sponaugle

So sorry to hear about your mother Marianne - keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers!

July 9, 2015

TERENA RALSTON

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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Funeral services provided by:

Murphy Funeral Homes

1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046

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