Mrs. Marguerite J. Hastings

December 6, 1915 - May 14, 2019

Marguerite Elizabeth Jones Hastings born 12/6/1915 - died in her sleep 5/14/2019 at age 103 in her own home. Born at home in tiny Church Creek in Dorchester County in 1915. Daughter of Kenneth B. Jones, MD, who became a renowned psychiatrist and hospital administrator in Maryland. He collaborated with a reporter from the Baltimore Evening Sun in 1944 to expose the deplorable conditions of mental health institutions (the award-winning series “Maryland’s Shame”). Started her education in a one room school taught by an aunt. First car was a used Ford Model T for $100 in 1932 to drive to college; sold in 1942 for $150. Possibly as a reaction to this, she gravitated toward fast sporty cars thereafter; a 1959 Austin-Healey was her favorite, followed closely by a 1968 Buick Skylark Grandsport convertible, University of Maryland, BA, 1937; Catholic U, Master of Social Service Work, 1946; U of Pennsylvania, Master of Social Work/Administration. Served in the American Red Cross during WWII, Meritorious Service Award. Helped service members’ families cope, and returning soldiers adjust. In 1946 she married Robert Hastings, who had served in WWII as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Seabees. Utilizing the GI Bill, he started an industrial brick contracting company that operated until 1978. They moved from Govans to farmland in Cockeysville in 1953. While Bob built their dream house in his company’s downtime, the family lived in two small used travel trailers, complete with outhouse for almost two years. Raised sheep for 11 years., He died in 1980. Two daughters from her first marriage, Patsy Ann Raley Lowe of Hooper’s Island MD, and Roberta Lee Shoemaker-Beal of Wimberly TX: one son, Robert I.K. Hastings, Cockeysville. She was very involved and influential in the upbringing of her grandchildren, Merry Lynn Barrie (deceased), Kimberly Taborda, Michael Raley, Lawrence Shoemaker, and Ellenor Shoemaker Holland. Six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, Began her career with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as a clinical social worker at Rosewood State Hospital and Training School, Chief of Social Services. Her dedicated and innovative service for the mentally retarded won her increasing levels of respect and responsibility, culminating as Acting Director for Mental Retardation and State Director for Developmental Disability. She retired from State service in 1982 after 35 years, receiving a citation of appreciation from Governor Hughes. Building on the increased public awareness from her father’s work, she effectively pushed for increased funding, more community and parental involvement, better pre-admission screening, and de-institutionalization if at all possible. Operating in an environment dominated by mostly male physicians, she more then held her own, Was instrumental in several significant pieces of State legislation and national advisory commissions, and rubbed elbows with Governors and U.S. Presidents. She counseled the Kennedy/Shriver families and Roy Rogers and Dale Evans regarding their children with developmental issues. Elected President of the American Association on Mental Deficiency, 1966-1967 (now the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities). In that capacity, visited and lectured in all 50 States. Visiting Instructor/Field Lecturer/mentor for graduate programs at numerous major universities Notable honors include citations from: AAMD, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maryland Society for Autistic Children, United Cerebral Palsy, Baltimore Association for Retarded Children, American Red Cross, Governor Harry Hughes. Like her mother, Margaret Nicholson Jones, she mastered many different textile crafts throughout her life. But approaching retirement she started a second career as a “happy hooker” (rug-hooker that is), joining the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists. Marguerite attended teacher workshops and classes across the nation, including FL, GA, NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, MA, ME, and CA, usually driving herself. A twice-accredited McGown teacher, she helped stage the 1976 National McGown Rug Exhibit in her capacity as Mason-Dixon chapter's first Regional ATHA Chairman. The event was held at the Garrison Forest School near Baltimore, with the national leader of the hooking renaissance, Pearl McGown, attending. From 1983-1985, Marguerite served as president of the Mason-Dixon Chapter of ATHA. Attended all but one of the major weeklong Maryland Shores Workshops from its inception in 1993 through 2015, when three hours of extended travel from her downsized passive solar home in Cockeysville finally became too much. For years she taught her own classes at Sherwood and Parkton Episcopal Churches, and still taught in her home at the age of 102. She exhibited annually at the MD State Fair, winning many blue ribbons and two President's Awards. In 2015, she was acknowledged as the Fair's oldest participant. Her many impressive creations are a treasure for her descendants. Marguerite loved to walk her dog through her wooded wildflower trails, and was an avid birdwatcher. But most of all, she enjoyed the company of family, visitors and her students. Her kind and sharing heart, welcoming spirit and her fun-loving spunky attitude is missed so very much by all who had the honor of knowing her. She served and inspired each generation she touched. A brief prayer service and interment for family and friends on Thursday July 25, 1 p.m. at Old Trinity Church – Dorchester Parish, within sight of her birthplace. The church will open to visitors by noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Old Trinity’s endowment. 1716 Taylor’s Island Rd, Church Creek, MD 21622 (www.oldtrinity,net).