Mary Loudin van Compernolle, 89 years of age, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 20, 2017 in Conroe, Texas surrounded by her children.
Mary was born April 2, 1927 in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts to the late John J. Loudin and Elizabeth Hartley Loudin. Mary’s father was a Methodist Preacher who served several churches from West Virginia to New Mexico. Upon graduation from high school at the age of 16, Mary moved with her family from Ripley, West Virginia to Carrizozo, New Mexico in 1943.
That same year Mary began her college education at New Mexico Highlands College in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Mary graduated cum laude in 1947. That same year, Mary was married at the First United Methodist Church of Springer to the late Remi Jr. van Compernolle. Mary’s father officiated at the wedding. Mary and Remi remained in Las Vegas until Remi completed college. During that time, Mary taught high school in Espanola, New Mexico.
After Remi’s graduation in 1948, they moved to Raton, New Mexico to begin a family. In Raton, Mary gave birth to five children, Susan, Remi III, John, Paul, and Valerie. She was preceded in death by children Susan and Paul. In 1956, the family moved to Window Rock, Arizona, where children Wendy, Michelle, and Julie were born.
With a full cadre of children, Remi and Mary began moving about the country subsequently living In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Houston, Texas (twice), Chicago, Illinois, and Burleson, Texas. Upon retirement in 1990, Mary and Remi returned to New Mexico to live in Miami and finally in Springer, where Mary spent the last 22 years of her life.
Upon return to New Mexico, Mary became active in her father’s former church in Springer where she served on nearly all committees, and whenever she saw the need. She was also active in the regional Senior Citizen’s Centers Council, eventually chairing the Council for several years. Her most recent activity was organizing and updating the history of her church, which she so loved. Mary could always be counted on to “get things done”. Other activities included the church rummage sale, Antique Club, the Women’s Tea, Gin Rummy Club, and Cowbelles. Mary also worked part time during tax season with a local accounting business in Springer.
Mary professed her life to Christ at an early age. Mary loved to read her Bible and was dedicated to teaching bible study, praying for others, spending time with friends and enjoying a Green Chili Philly Sandwich at the old ÒCold BeerÓ in Colfax. She loved to work in her yard and to take long road trips, always stopping at Historical (she often called them Hysterical) Markers. With her friend, Jimmie, she spent many hours hunting through cemeteries across the country looking for distant family member’s gravesites and those of others. Mary was always wearing a smile on her face.
Mary was a loving person, devoted wife, mother, and friend. She saw the good in everyone and brightened the lives of so many others. She encouraged her children to attend college and was proud that all six received college degrees.
Mary leaves her six children to cherish her loving memory. Mary is survived by Remi, III, and wife Becki; John and wife Sharon; Valerie and husband Jeff; Wendy and her husband Chuck; Michelle and her husband Bruce; Julie and her husband Chris. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren; her friend and brother Frank and his wife Jan; sister Ruth; sister-in-law Palmyre and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She will be missed desperately but we know that she is now in God’s loving arms and is at peace.
A celebration of her life is scheduled for 3:00PM on Saturday March 25 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Springer, NM, with a graveside service followed by a 90th birthday party at First United Methodist Church of Springer in the fellowship hall. Chuck Wiggins will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First United Method Church of Springer, or to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
Arrangements and celebration of love for Mary van Compernolle are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
