Mary E Hines

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hines

May 5, 1938 – July 19, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Hines, Ed.D., educator, scholar, world traveler, and beloved aunt, passed away on July 19, 2025, at Oak Knoll Healthcare Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. She was 87.

A proud native of Boston and a longtime resident of Morningside Heights in New York City, Mary was also a citizen of the world—devoting her life to the power of language, education, and human connection.

Mary graduated from Girls’ Latin School in 1956 and went on to earn a B.S. in English Education from Boston College in 1960, followed by an M.A. in Education the following year. Her passion for teaching and learning led her to earn a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1983.

Over a career that spanned continents and generations, Mary taught thousands of students both in the United States and abroad. She held teaching appointments at NYU, Fordham, the City University of New York, LaGuardia Community College, and Kingsborough Community College. Internationally, she served as a teaching fellow at the American University in Cairo; the University of Niš in the former Yugoslavia; and Kisumu Girls’ High School in Kenya.

A leader in her field, Mary served as President of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from 1992 to 1993. She authored a book and numerous articles, papers, and instructional videos that influenced ESL educators worldwide. As a consultant and visiting lecturer for USAID and other global foundations, she taught and trained in Kenya, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Iceland, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Thailand, and Brazil.

Mary’s life was grounded in her deep commitment to community, education, and service. A union leader and tireless advocate for her New York City neighborhood, she remained civically engaged throughout her life, proudly serving as a Democratic County Committee member into her 80s. At her home near Columbia University, she hosted visiting scholars, former students, relatives, and friends from around the globe. Her hospitality and wit made her a treasured friend to many.

Mary was also a founding member of Teachers for East Africa, a group of pioneering educators whose mission and fellowship continued to inspire her for more than fifty years.

Despite facing significant physical challenges stemming from severe burns as a child and polio as a teenager, Mary met life with courage, humor, and optimism. She never let her physical limitations define her. Instead, she led a life rich with meaning, joy, and adventure—attending the theater with friends and family, mentoring colleagues, and staying deeply connected to a wide circle of loved ones. Mary had an abiding faith which she practiced both as a Catholic and a member of ecumenical groups bringing together different faiths.

Mary was the daughter of Margaret Galvin Hines and Colonel Paul Henry Hines of West Roxbury, and the beloved sister of the late Paul Hines, Jr., Ann Marie Blute, Peter Hines, Leo Hines, Margaret Kierstead, Carol H. Gleason, and John Hines—all of whom predeceased her. She was an admired aunt to more than thirty nieces and nephews, who will remember her for her intellect, warmth, wit, and unshakable belief in the power of education.

Mary’s family extends deep gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at Oak Knoll Healthcare Center, Framingham, MA, and to Harborside Hospice, as well as to the many neighbors and friends at 417 West 120th Street in New York, whose kindness and support made her final years more comfortable and connected.

A visitation will be held at the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury, on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 9:00-11:00am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Name Church at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made  in Mary’s memory to Lifeforce in Later Years (LiLY) or to the Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame, NYC.

https://lifeforce-in-later-years.org/donate-2/

https://ccnd-nyc.org/donate

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