Search Results

HONAKER -- MARY BETH Died on Friday, February 17, 2012 after a courageous nine year battle with severe Lupus Cerebritis. Mary Beth is survived by two older sisters, Lucy MacBain of Saint Petersburg, Florida, and her family; Martha Hitchcock, brother-in-law Ronald Hitchcock, niece, Elizabeth Mason, all of Southlake, Texas; sister-in-law Diane Honaker of Summerland, California, and several grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother John and parents Clyde and Veronica Honaker. Mary Beth was a brilliant, loving, funny, resilient woman who was dearly loved by her family and many good friends. Born February 12, 1955, Mary Beth was a lifelong resident of New Mexico. She completed a B.A. in Special Education in 1977, an M. A. in Elementary Education in 1983, and gained Administrative Licensure in 1990 from U.N.M. She began her long career as a passionate advocate for children and individuals with disabilities, teaching at Zuni Elementary School. Her natural ability to assess needs and create seamless integrated systems led to her promotion from Rio Grande Cluster Coordinator at South Region to Assistant Director of Special Services for Albuquerque Public Schools. She assisted in supervision of the four units in the Special Services Department, and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Unified Education System. In 1999, she became Director of Special Education for the Moriarty Municipal Schools, where she directed all programs and services related to Special Education and Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many parents, individuals with disabilities, and the professionals in the field benefited from her guidance and personal experience. We have truly lost a tireless champion for those with diverse needs. Mary Beth always kept the children she served as her primary focus, working hard to improve their opportunities and helping provide the very best education possible. She was truly a"servant leader" and used her own physical and health challenges to guide others and to design accommodations that maintain independence. Many friends and professionals would agree that she deserved an "honorary MD". Mary Beth loved her family, friends, fishing, music (she was an accomplished pianist) and her pets, both dogs and cats. We who are left here for awhile will sorely miss her humor and joy in living. Her life will be celebrated at 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at St. Chad's Episcopal Church, 7171 Tennyson Drive, N E, Albuquerque, N M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Chad's Episcopal Church. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit: www.danielsfuneral.com Mary Beth's care entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109 505-821-0010
        Published on: Wed February 22, 2012