Mary Catherine Hoogterp, 63, of San Diego, Cal., formerly of Grand Rapids, Mich., died Nov. 1 in San Diego. She leaves at home her husband, James Brewer, and two teen-age daughters, Marjorie RuiKe Brewer and Dorothea Fu-Yin Brewer.
Mary’s family will host a memorial Prayer Service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Comstock Park, with Deacon Jerry Roersma officiating.
Mary was born in Grand Rapids on April 29, 1950, to Peter and Dorothy Hoogterp. Her father passed away in 1963, when Mary was 13, and her mother died in 2007.
Mary attended public and Catholic schools in the Grand Rapids area, and later moved to San Diego, where she thrived with the support of her sister Ruth. She earned a doctorate in American History from the University of California at San Diego, and for many years was a teacher at Mesa Community College. She led music programs at her church, and was active in religious education programs.
Despite the distance, Mary remained close to her large family in Michigan. She returned with her husband and daughters twice each year, to celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids and a summer reunion in the Upper Peninsula.
Mary was blessed with 12 brothers and sisters, 10 of whom survive. Her sister Barbara Rowe and brother Frank Hoogterp died before her.
Surviving, in addition to her husband and daughters, are sisters Joan Loveland, of Blanchard, Mich.; Ruth Ashley, of Palm Springs, Cal; Terry (John) Foley, of Grand Rapids; Angie (Bobbie Rosencrans) of East Lansing; Sue (Doug) Shank of Wayland; Sara (Mike) Yob of Middlebury, Ind.; sisters-in-law Linda Hoogterp of Ortonville, Mich. and Betty Hoogterp of Allendale, Mich. and brothers Martin, (Barbara) of Grand Rapids; Thomas (Kathy) of Engadine, Mich.; Edward (Millie) of Beulah, Mich. and Daniel (Helena) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers or monetary contributions, the family asks that you love one another and pray for peace.
