Mary Catherine Ho

SALEM, NH - “Beautiful wildflower....be free and reach for the sun, live in all of your colors and grow

so untamed.” - butterflies rising

The world has lost one of its most beautiful, thoughtful souls and unique wildflowers. Mary Ho of Salem,

devoted wife, mother, grandmother/GG, and friend passed away suddenly on September 15, 2021 in her

family home in Salem. She was a light that will be missed by many who knew her.

Mary was born in Honolulu, HI on November 11, 1956. She grew up as an Air Force “brat” moving

much of her childhood until she landed in Salem, NH and met her husband, Alexander Ho, where they

continued to live and raise their family of eight. Mary spent years teaching math, computer science, and

home economics, and volunteering at her children’s schools. In her free time, she was an avid quilter,

reader, cook and jewelry maker. She was a gifted home cook and baker whose food was enjoyed by

many. Mary also had a love for animals great and small– caring for many, various household pets over

the years (that also included her angel fish and fishpond as well as the backyard crows and squirrels) and

particularly favored elephants. She had a penchant for collecting an impressive variety of gnomes and

treasure hunting at yard sales and secondhand shops where she always managed to find the most uniquely

thoughtful and perfect gifts for her friends and family in her searches. Most notably though, was her

unconditional love and adoration for her children and grandchildren and her always carefree, fun-loving

spirit and zest for the small things in life.

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Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Alex, with whom she shared 40 memorable years

of marriage. She is survived by her son, Alexander Ho and daughter-in-law, Tibbany Ho, and

their children: Liliana, Takara and Alexander Jr. of Rio Rancho, NM; son, Benjamin Ho and

daughter-in-law, Cassie Ho, and their children: Carina and Barrett of Medford, OR; son Nicholas

Ho and his partner Wendy Costa of Manchester, NH; son, Matthew Ho of Salem, NH; daughter,

Catherine Dube and son-in-law, Shawn Dube, and their son Oscar of Northfield, NH; daughter

Elizabeth Ho and fiancé, Andrew Coffill, and their children: Logan, Addison, and Oliver of

Milford, NH along with numerous other extended family members and dear friends.

The family will be planning to hold a small gathering this June 2022 in Salem, NH to remember and

honor the lives of both Alexander and Mary Ho; in lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and family

to share a fun memory or story of Mary and/or a square of fabric that reminds you of her that will be

made into mementos for her grandchildren that she cherished. These can be sent to: 7 Smith St. Milford, NH, 03055.

Arrangements are by the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street Salem, NH. To leave an online condolence, p;lease visit Mary’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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