Mary Emma Hooper, a long-time resident of the City of Greenbelt, died peacefully on July 10, 2025, at the age of 98, just weeks shy of her 99th birthday.
Mary was born on August 15, 1926, to Elsie Viola Lyles Kelley Tucker and Marion Elmer Tucker. She worked for 30 years in the Press Release Office at the White House, serving under seven presidents. She took great pride in her work and enjoyed sharing stories of her time there.
Her love for dancing began in her younger years and continued for as long as she could find a willing dance partner. She traveled extensively, enjoyed theater outings and cherished trips to the beach with her girlfriends. A familiar face at community events, Mary managed to keep moving, often at a pace that surprised those around her.
Mary was a proud and engaged member of the Greenbelt community. She was active in several local organizations, including the Golden Age Club, the Greenbelt American Legion Post 136, Greenbelt Intergenerational Volunteer Exchange Service (GIVES), Beltsville Young at Heart Club and Laurel Senior Friendship Club. She also regularly volunteered with the City of Greenbelt’s monthly food distribution efforts.
Mary will be remembered for her independence, quick mind, strong will and appreciation for a good meal.
Mary was predeceased by her brother, John Amos Kelley. She is survived by her nieces Patricia Keefe (Steve) and Paula Puglisi (Charles); great-nieces Kelley Osbourn (Ozzie) and Dawn Richardson (Eddie), and their families; great-nephew Charles Puglisi, II, and his family; and a host of great-great-nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Hugh of Grenoble Catholic Church, 135 Crescent Road, on Tuesday, July 22, at 10 a.m. A private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Greenbelt Intergenerational Volunteer Exchange Service (GIVES) at givesgreenbelt.org/donate-today.
