Mary Ann Tucker

Mary Ann (Hess) Tucker of Wesley Chapel, Florida, died on March 8, 2024, at the age of 86 after a very long illness. Mary Ann was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota. She received a BS degree in chemistry and mathematics from North Dakota State University having accumulated credits at several other universities while moving several times and having two children while her husband served in the army. She then obtained an MS in physical chemistry from Iowa State University and an MBA and JD (first in her class) from Indiana University, all while working full time. At various times in her career she was a research scientist, corporate tax attorney, patent attorney, and manager of the patent departments of major corporations. She retired as Vice President and Associate General Counsel – Patents and Assistant Secretary of a major corporation. She was active in a number of professional societies including the Association of Corporate Patent Counsels and the National Inventors Hall of Fame (serving as its president), and served on several advisory committees of the US Department of Commerce.

Mary Ann loved music, was an accomplished pianist, and played the violin with the Fargo Symphony Orchestra while still in high school. She was one of the primary movers in the formation of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and served as its president. Mary Ann also enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and softball and was an avid runner. All this while being a devoted and very actively involved parent and grandparent.

Mary Ann, active in her faith, sang in church choirs for many years. She served on the vestry and many committees at several of the churches she attended over time.

Mary Ann is greatly missed by her husband of 66 years, Robert Clark Tucker, Jr., daughter, Rebecca Ann Perrings (Mark), son Robert Craig Tucker (Ofelia), sixteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and two sisters. In her last years, Mary Ann, her husband, and her family were particularly thankful for her cadre of truly caring excellent caregivers.

A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 4th at 2pm at St Catherine's Episcopal Church located at 502 Druid Hills Rd, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.