Mary Carol Evans Hecht, a loving mother, grandmother, wife, and sister, peacefully gained her angel wings on November 5, 2024, in Virginia Beach. Born on August 27, 1946, to Lockwood “Fosky” Evans and Marjorie Beshears Evans of Virginia Beach, she was a longtime Norfolk resident who touched countless lives with warmth, humor, and compassion.

Affectionately known as “Other Mama” or “O’Mama” to her grandchildren, their friends, and many others, Mary’s life was centered on family, faith, and service. She had a deep devotion to loved ones, a love for all creatures, great and small, a creative spirit, and a tireless work ethic. Even after retiring, Mary regularly volunteered with ForKids, a commitment she held dear until a few months before her passing. Her legacy of kindness and selflessness is cherished by all who know her. Mary’s tireless volunteer work with ForKids earned her recognition as an “Everyday Hero” by WTKR-TV in 2022, an honor that reflected her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Mary graduated from Princess Anne High School and attended Old Dominion University. Besides her childhood in Virginia Beach, she spent memorable years with her brothers and parents in North Dakota, Rhode Island, Charleston, San Diego, and San Francisco, where her father was stationed with the Navy. These years brought adventures she loved to share with family and friends.

For over three decades, Mary dedicated herself to healthcare, including 34 years with FHC Health Systems as vice president of corporate benefits and director of human resources. She later served as the director of human resources for St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, retiring in 2018.

A devoted member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, Mary served her church family in countless ways, including as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and a volunteer for special events. Her natural creativity shone through in her many artistic hobbies. She was a gifted seamstress who could transform clothing with her sewing machine and regularly made quilts, wreaths, shell art, and jewelry for loved ones. Her family fondly remembers her culinary talents, especially her homemade soups, roast chicken, and the rich gravies she learned to make from her father.

Mary’s green thumb was unmatched; her home overflowed with thriving plants she lovingly tended. She was also a dedicated sports fan, following the University of Virginia Cavaliers and the Dallas Cowboys and cheering passionately for her son and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits. She loved a good crossword puzzle, often completing the daily puzzle with family by her side.

Above all, Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She and her husband Timp reserved Friday nights for movies, dinners, and sleepovers with their grandkids, Abigail and Mitchell. She especially relished time with them on North Carolina’s Outer Banks and trips to Costa Rica, St. Thomas, the Florida Keys, and other destinations with Timp, Abigail, Mitchell, and, later, Mitchell’s fiancée and now-wife, Holly.

Her parents predeceased Mary, as did her in-laws, Morton and Fran Hecht, and many beloved pets. She leaves behind her husband of almost 47 years, Morton E. “Timp” Hecht III; her son, Evan Hecht, and his wife, Victoria; her cherished grandchildren, Mitchell and Abigail Hecht, and Mitchell’s wife, Holly; her brothers, Buddy Evans (Betty), Fred Evans (Ailyn), and Bill Evans (Barbara); her nieces, Kelli Evans, Mallory Evans, and Elizabeth Evans; extended family; and longtime family friend Robert Copeland. Special thanks go to her loving friend and caregiver, Angel Locust, and the compassionate team at Best Senior Homes in Virginia Beach.

Mary lives on in the hearts of all who knew her and the family she so lovingly nurtured. Her Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 2901 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. In place of flowers, the family requests donations to ForKids or the adoption of a pet from the SPCA or another animal shelter in Mary’s honor.