Christine Allen Hoecke

Christine Allen Hoecke, 77, of Falls Church, Virginia, died peacefully at home on Saturday, December 26, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Josephine "Jo" W. (Walker) Hoecke, and the late Bertel V. Hoecke.

Chris was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. She was a descendent of Mayflower Governor Bradford. She graduated from the Stoneleigh-Burnham School, in Greenfield, MA; she considered this educational experience as a transformational force—guiding her throughout life. After graduating from Queens College, in North Carolina, she started her career with Farrell Lines Shipping Company.

She subsequently became a Senior Trade Specialist at the U.S. Maritime Administration. In that governmental position, she worked with the Export-Import Bank, federal agencies, and diplomats from many foreign embassies. She was recognized by the Maritime Administration for her contributions to the U.S. Merchant Marine. Her maritime-related work experience was a natural impetus for her extensive world travels. Particularly noteworthy was six months aboard ship—traveling down the west coast and up the east coast of Africa.

After retiring from federal service, she discovered a love of ballroom dancing competitions and a love for Rotary. Her Rotary achievements included but were not limited to serving as an award-winning club past president and in multiple district leadership positions. Her mentorship of so many Rotarians, over the last two decades, will be long remembered and cherished.

Tis a Fearful Thing

by Yehuda HaLevi (1075 – 1141)

‘Tis a fearful thing

to love what death can touch.

A fearful thing

to love, to hope, to dream, to be –

to be,

And oh, to lose.

A thing for fools, this,

And a holy thing,

a holy thing

to love.

For your life has lived in me,

your laugh once lifted me,

your word was gift to me.

To remember this brings painful joy.

‘Tis a human thing, love,

a holy thing, to love

what death has touched.