Mary Margret Hawxhurst, 90, of Solomons, Maryland, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick, Maryland.
Born on July 15, 1935, in Wyano, Pennsylvania, Mary was the daughter of William Cunningham and Helen Gardner Cunningham. She was raised with a deep love of music and a passion for singing that remained a constant throughout her life.
Mary devoted herself to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her warmth, generosity, and compassion touched not only those closest to her but also the wider community. She believed in making a positive difference wherever she could, and she carried herself with grace, kindness, and an ever-present sense of joy.
She was well known for her beautiful voice and her faithful participation in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick, Maryland. She was also a proud member of the Patuxent Pearls Choral Group, where she formed lasting friendships and continued to share her gift of song.
Mary and her beloved husband, Willard A. “Bill” Hawxhurst, shared a passion for travel and explored many destinations abroad together. For a time, they embraced the “snowbird” lifestyle, spending part of each year in Florida. Their adventures created treasured memories that Mary often recalled with a smile.
Above all, Mary adored her grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as “Mamie.” She celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and filled their lives with laughter and unconditional love. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of her later years.
Mary is survived by her children: Mary Sue Grzybowski (Mike) of Delray, West Virginia; Christopher Hawxhurst of Columbia, Maryland; and Joseph W. Hawxhurst (Stacy) of Prince Frederick, Maryland.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jonathan Hawxhurst; Steve Grzybowski (Jessica); Nicki Gotsis (Sam); Karli Hawxhurst; and Katie Hawxhurst; as well as six great-grandchildren.
Mary is further survived by her sister, Lois Starenchek of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, along with many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish the memories and lessons she shared.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard A. Hawxhurst, on December 23, 2019; her parents, William and Helen Cunningham; her stepmother, Clara Cunningham; her sisters, Eleanor Ferguson, Dorothy Kessler, Shirley Chandler, Glenys Waters, Nancy Morrison, and Gayle Hammer; her brother, David Cunningham; and her in-laws, Joseph W. Hawxhurst and Robert Hawxhurst.
Mary will be remembered as a bright and shining light—someone who embraced life’s challenges with a smile on her face and laughter in her heart. Her legacy of faith, music, service, and love will continue to resonate in the lives of all who knew her.
A service celebrating Mary’s life will be held on May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Norvelt Union Church, 2339 Mt. Pleasant Road, Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania 15666.
A luncheon will follow at Norvelt Roosevelt Hall, 2325 Mt. Pleasant Road, Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania 15666.