Mary Lucas

Mary Louise Lucas passed away peacefully on May 21, 2024 in Columbia, MD. Born to Frank and Eleonora Lucas in 1935, Mary was raised along with her brother, Mickey, and sister, Ellen, also deceased, in University Park. Strong in faith, Mary attended the Academy of Notre Dame before graduating from the University of Maryland. Her love of sports led her to a teaching position at Bladensburg Senior High School as a physical education teacher and coach for 31 years. After retiring as an educator, Mary then took a position with the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) for an additional 19 years, as their Coordinator of Information and Publications before retiring for a second time. Never one to slow down, Mary took on an active role in her community in Annapolis where she served as needed before she moved in 2023.

While employed by the State for 50 years, Mary may be best known for her role as a great supporter of the University of Maryland’s Women’s Basketball Program. Mary was an event regular starting in the late 1970’s, and her passion and involvement for the program ever since then was nearly legendary. She was one of the founding members of the booster program and was named the first president of the Rebounders. A Life Member and season ticket holder, Mary remained an avid fan alongside of her Rebounder family right up to the very end. Even in her passing her legacy of support will remain with the scholarship for female basketball players she created in her name.

Mary was survived by her nephews Charles and Robert, their wives Jennifer and Patricia, nieces Michelle, her husband Paul. Pamela and their respective children.

Visitation will be held at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home located at 11800 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring, MD on Wednesday 6/19 from 10:00AM-12:00PM. Funeral Service shall be held at 12:00PM then followed by the burial service at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery , 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD at 2:00PM.