Mary E. Heathman Pulice

Mary Emma Heathman Pulice, 93, died peacefully at her home on January 22nd in the presence of her daughter Elaine and grandson Jayce. Mary was born in June, 1918, and raised on a farm near Elberfeld, Indiana. She attended Business College in Evansville, Indiana, and worked for Gibson County before marrying Homer W. Heathman Jr. in 1941. Mary followed her husband to several military bases during World War II, and the couple settled in New Mexico shortly after the war. After residing for a few years each in Elida, Roswell, Artesia, Clovis, and Santa Fe, the couple took up permanent residency in Las Cruces in 1959. During these years, Mary and Homer raised their four children, while Mary worked outside the home for 13 years as Executive Secretary of the United Way of Las Cruces. She was Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star in 1968, and an avid bridge player throughout her life. Mary knew that education is the key to success and worked hard to ensure that her children all obtained college educations. After Homer suffered an early death in the summer of 1967, Mary won the "Most Aggies" award for having four children, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law all enrolled full time at New Mexico State University. She was most proud that her four children, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law hold a total of 10 degrees conferred by NMSU. Mary is survived by her four children: Jim, Elaine (Mike Shoberg), Ken (Diana), and Homer III "Dub" (Marilyn); eight grandchildren: Marcy Shoberg Donahue, Jason Shoberg, Susan Shoberg, Brian Heathman, Linda Heathman Gonzalez, Jared Heathman, Jayce Heathman, and Jonathan Heathman: and numerous great grandchildren. Viewing will be Friday, January 27th, at Getz Funeral Home from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service immediately following at the Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Homer W. Heathman Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund that Mary set up at NMSU. PDF Printable Version