Mary Martha Hosse was born on March 4, 1946, in Evansville, Indiana, to her larger than life dad, Gus Hosse, and her gentle and humble mom, Hildred Easley Hosse.  Mary had a beautiful older sister, Gayle (Baumgart), whom she adored.  Gus passed in 1969; Hildred in 1981 and Gayle departed this life in 2006.  Mary passed into eternal peace on March 10, 2021, at St. Anthony's Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson, Kentucky, where she was surrounded by loving care from her daughters and hospice staff.

Mary grew up on the west side of Evansville, attending elementary school at St. Theresa's Catholic School.  Mary enjoyed sharing fond memories of her childhood, telling stories about the play dates with her close friends, the Four Eagles.  A few years ago, she had the time of her life on a trip to California for a small reunion.  Mary graduated from Rex Mundi High School in 1964 and continued to be active in the alumni association until her health began to limit her activities.

After graduation, Mary began her life-long search for a vocation that would perfectly marry her numerous talents with purpose and service to others.  She fully lived into the Biblical story of her namesake, the sisters Mary and Martha, who served Jesus differently.  Our Mary Martha attempted it all – telephone operator, ceramics teacher, secretary, professional baker, sales clerk, business owner, youth minister, teacher, librarian.   Her four daughters found her to be perfectly fit and highly accomplished as their mom and special caregiver to her youngest daughter, Bobbi.  But nonetheless, in her 40s, Mary continued exploring her vocation and completed her bachelor's degree in lay ministry from Brescia University.

In 1967, Mary married Ron Townsend and they made their home in Henderson, Kentucky.  Mary quickly became a devout member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, and she would take her young daughters to Mass every Sunday.  Mary's dedication to her own faith and reverence for the Holy Mass helped to guide her daughters to a personal relationship with Christ.  Mary participated in a variety of ministries over her 50+ years at Holy Name.  Her faith was persistent throughout her life.

Mary embraced her membership and leadership roles in Southern Moonbeams Homemakers Club.  She enjoyed the fellowship and fun of the ladies through the decades of gathering at everyone's homes.  Mary possessed the ability to juggle her gifts of cooking, baking, sewing, and crafting with lovingly raising four daughters, her marriage, her church life and all her part-time jobs.  Her daughters are grateful they had sweet times to celebrate and appreciate her devotion to motherhood over the last several years.

Mary always enjoyed her time supporting her 'baby,' Bobbi, in her activities with Special Olympics and the local group of Funtastics.  Mary cherished every moment she had with her grandchildren, Ben and Anna.  She loved their annual gingerbread house festivities and any opportunity to love on and spoil them Nana-style.  Mary also celebrated the accomplishments of her step-grandsons, Patrick and Connor.  In the last few years, she has greatly enjoyed her time playing "soldiers" with her step great-grandson, Ezzy.  Anyone who knew Mary, knew she was forever searching for fun and laughter.  She had a little song and dance with "a bushel and a peck and hug around your neck" waiting for you.

Mary lived a selfless life.  As a young teen, she cared for her dad, administering his insulin shots.  She cared for her elderly mom at a time when she herself was a young mom with two toddlers.  She navigated the care of a child with special needs when she did not easily ask for assistance and taught her teenage daughter how to walk again following months of bedrest and constant care.  Mary was the safe space for recuperations from any physical or emotional pain for all of her daughters.  She asked for nothing in return and repeatedly put others, especially her daughters and grandchildren, ahead of herself – many times sacrificing her own well-being.  She lived the struggle of her name – distracted by serving as Martha did while learning to sit quietly to receive as Mary did.  Her struggle to find the balance is a common one for many.  The struggle is finished and she now has peace, fully receiving the love of Jesus.

Mary's legacy of love and service continues with her four daughters, Beth Hand (Sandy) of Henderson, Kentucky, Rebecca Townsend Milligan (Andrew) of Clarksville, Tennessee, Barbara Wisniewski (Kevin) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Bobbi Townsend of Henderson, Kentucky; Mary's well-loved grandchildren, Ben & Anna Wisniewski (Barbara & Kevin); step-grandsons, Patrick & Connor Milligan (Rebecca & Andrew), step-granddaughters, Jessica & Katie Hand (Beth & Sandy), and step-great-grandson, Ezzy Hand.

A funeral mass will be at noon Monday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  Father Larry McBride will officiate.  Private family burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St. Anthony's Hospice, 2410 South Green Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420 or at www.stanthonyshospice.org.

The entire staff at St. Anthony's Hospice possess a level of love, care, and compassion unequivocally demonstrating their individual callings to this holy work of being the hands and feet of Christ in caring for His children during their last days on this earth.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .