Mary Joyce Baldwin Boettcher

Mary Joyce Baldwin Boettcher Mary Joyce Baldwin Boettcher completed her tapestry of life, September 6, 2013, at her home in Huntsville, Texas surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Leonard Bush ‘Len’ and Maude Elizabeth Williford Baldwin. She was born in Huntsville, Texas, on January 4, 1928. She graduated from Huntsville High School in 1946, and married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Clinton Boettcher, in July 1947. They enjoyed 51 years together, prior to his death in 1998. Mary Joyce graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Master’s Degree in Education. Her teaching career included teaching art and special education at Huntsville ISD, Humble ISD, New Caney ISD and Trinity ISD. She and Clinton opened Bookland on Sam Houston Avenue. She was an avid reader all her life. Mary Joyce and her brother Edward pursued genealogical research for years. She taught private art to many students. As an artist, she took great pride in making arts and crafts. Mary Joyce had a kiln that she used to finish many pottery projects. She gladly involved herself in all her children’s endeavors. She participated in each one as a new adventure. She had a passion for growing flowers and roses. Besides art and flowers, she enjoyed playing bridge. She and Clinton played in the same bridge club for many years. She valued her friendships developed through the club all her life. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her sisters Elizabeth Baldwin Holman, Virginia Baldwin Squyres, Lyndal Baldwin Reece; and brother, John Baldwin. She is survived by her son, Joseph Clinton Boettcher, Jr., and daughter Virginia Gayle Boettcher Samarneh and her husband William Zaid of Huntsville; grandchildren Clint Lee Boettcher and Lisa Marie Boettcher Schmit and her husband Andrew; and great grandchildren, Sarah, Joseph and Joshua Boettcher. Her grandchildren were of prime importance in her life. She enjoyed spending time with them in numerous pursuits. They seem to value her time and interest. She is also survived by two brothers, Leonard Bush Baldwin, Jr., of Laramie, Wyoming, and Edward Baldwin of Lafayette, Louisiana. The family wishes to give special thanks to Thee Hospice ad her caregiver Ruth Blakes. They provided exceptional care in a loving manner to her and the entire family. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., conducted by Pastor David Valentine. Pallbearers will be: Mac Woodward, James Patton, Joseph Samarneh, Zaid Samarneh, Dr. Lynn Post, DVM, and Clint Boettcher. Burial will follow in Mayes Addition, Oakwood Cemetery, Huntsville, Texas. Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to the SAAFE House, P.O. Box 1893, Huntsville, Texas 77342-14893 or at their website www.saafehouse.org or Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter, 530 Bearkat Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340 or at their website www.ritabhuffanimalshelter.org. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Mary Joyce Baldwin Boettcher

January 4, 1928 - September 11, 2013