Former resident Mary Hoyt dies at 84 in Arizona

Former Wrangell resident Mary Delia Hoyt, 84, died Jan. 11, 2022, at her home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

She was born March 19, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Sabina and John Weber, one of five children. “Mary met the love of her life, Herb Hoyt, while attending Marquette University,” her family wrote. They were married in 1956 and later camped their way across the country “like gypsies,” the family wrote, finally settling in Ketchikan. Together they raised seven children.

“Mary always claimed her father’s family were Romanian gypsies, and paperwork later discovered proved this to be true,” the family wrote. The other side of her family was from County Mayo, Ireland.

Mary had various jobs while in Ketchikan. She worked at Tom Sawyers Jewelry, the Fireside Restaurant and Rainbird Flowers, owned by Evelyn Cousins. “These ladies became best friends over the years. They enjoyed many relaxing journeys to Mexico and exciting trips to Las Vegas to see concerts (even Rod Stewart and Elton John), and to try their luck gambling, celebrating their winnings,” the family wrote. They shared a home for 15 years in Lake Havasu City.

Mary also owned her own business, called Mary D’s, selling fine furs and gifts for several years.

She moved to Wrangell in 1989, where was executive secretary for attorney Robin Taylor, who also served as a state legislator, until she retired.

“Mary was very creative, and loved to paint and knit. She was also very athletic, competing in archery and swimming while in college,” her family wrote. “She loved to bowl and enjoyed the camaraderie of her team — the Stanley Steamers, sponsored by Stan Hewitt.” She even bowled a perfect game.

“She was an expert skeet shooter, as well. She won a friendly bet by hitting a target while looking in a mirror over her shoulder — while standing on an old barstool.”

Mary had a great sense of humor, “and called it like she saw it, with her smart and spunky manner,” her family wrote. “She loved her family tremendously, faithfully sent birthday cards, and always wrote, ‘I love you soooooooooo much!’”

Mary is survived by her children, Mark (Francis), Chris (Debbie) and Dan (Teri), all of Ketchikan; Tina, of Happy Valley, Oregon; Andrew, of Wrangell; Juli, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; and Annette, of Ocean Shores, Washington; as well as 22 grandchildren and 25 great-children.

“Mary will be missed greatly, and lovingly remembered by all those who knew her.”