Mary Catherine Hodgson (Murray), 93, of Wilkes Barre, passed peacefully into heaven at her home on February 27th, 2026.

Born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, on December 18, 1932, she was the daughter of the late James and Louise (Weiner) Murray.

Mary was a graduate of St Anne’s Academy, Class of 1951, and attended business school. She was employed at Barre Optical, Nardone Brothers Pizza, and The Bon-Ton. For over 15 years, she volunteered at the FM Kirby Center, John Heinz Gift Shop, and at Heights Elementary School in Mrs. Youngblood’s kindergarten classroom as a Foster Grandmother.

Mary was deeply devoted to her family and found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by those she loved. She treasured her many friendships and remained close with many dear friends throughout her life. Mary loved to travel and always welcomed opportunities for new adventure. She also enjoyed playing bingo, shopping, and sharing meals among family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Eugene Hurley and Robert Hodgson; her daughter, Mae Brady; her sister, Elizabeth (Jim) Coulter; her brother, John Murray; brother-in-law, Tom Ansilio; and her sons-in-law Gerry McGroarty and Melvin Derhammer.

Surviving are her daughters, Dr. Patricia Bailey, Catherine McGroarty, Noreen (Rob) Phillips, Heidi Derhammer, Jamie Hodgson; her sons Jim (Becky) Hurley and Patrick (Alyson) Hurley; her son-in-law Len Brady; her sister Louise Ansilio; 22 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.

The family extends a special thank you to the excellent staff at Villages of Greenbriar, Serenity Hospice and Dr. Raymond Joseph for their compassionate care over the years.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on March 5, in in 2026, at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave, Wilkes Barre. With a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 5, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Saint Nicholas St. Mary Parish 226 S. Washington St. in Wilkes-Barre. Interment will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Hanover Township.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 4:00-7:00PM on March 4, 2026, at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave, Wilkes Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Saint Nicholas Church, where Mary was a member for over 60 years.