Mary Morris Hodgman

Mary Morris Hodgman passed away on Jan 8, 2016, at her home in Southport, CT, at the age of 84. She was the daughter of William Samuel and Virginia Thieme Morris. She was predeceased by her parents and older sibling, William S Morris III. She married Thomas Fee Hodgman in 1955, in Rye, NY. He survives her. Their homes were: from 1955 to 1956, New York City; from 1956 to 1984, Greenwich, CT. Southport, CT, was her residence until her passing. Surviving Mary are their three children, Thomas Fee, Jr. ("TJ"), Virginia Hodgman Davison, and William Morris Hodgman, as well her sister-in-law, Mary Louise Morris. There are four exceptional grandchildren, Eliza Davison Leach, Trubee Hodgman Davison, Charlie Fee Hodgman and Katherine Rose Hodgman. Special thanks are given to care givers Charmaine & Shanai Pottinger, Sadie Watkins Roddey, and Theresa, her palliative care nurse. Norwich Terrier "Teddy" was in the end particularly in her thoughts as were all her canine friends. Mary, an avid gardener, had her beginnings as an inspired and inspiring competitive floral designer at Green Fingers Garden Club, Greenwich. The 60s and 70s saw her involved with the annual "Preview of Spring", while on its way to national prominence for competitions of the Garden Club of America (GCA, Region 12). Further in time, overlooking her English privet hedge-sculpture garden, she honoured the Sasqua Garden Club, Fairfield, in support of their auction, and was active during many joyful years mentoring young "sprouts" and assisting in competitions. An adventuress for many years, at age 76, she vacationed to view several renowned South American gardens in Brazil and Chile, incidentally with her devoted husband in toe. Mary possessed a keen interest in songbirds; those active on Greenwich Audubon field trips and as well around her gardens. She was a graceful alpine skier. She loved beaches, windswept Canadian lakes, Pebble Beach and Gulf Coast shorelines. She traveled eagerly to New Hampshire, Grindelwald, Italian Dolomites, Portugal, the Great Western US and Florida. She played tennis admirably well; picked up golf late and excelled. She had a passion for art, admired beautiful music and was consumed by 'classic' films. A modest interment is planned for family members. A memorial service will be held at Southport Congregational Church on Friday January 22, 2016, at 1:00 PM In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Southport Congregational Church, 524 Pequot Ave, P.O. Box 366, Southport, CT 06890, website http://www.southportucc.org. Alternatively, donations can be made to Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, website http://www.fairfieldhistory.org . For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com