Mary Dora Escobedo Wachter, known to family and friends as Mary Dora or just Mary, passed away on May 11, 2026, in Ellicott City, Maryland, at the age of 87 from metastatic breast cancer.

Born on August 28, 1938, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Mary Dora lived a life marked by love and devotion to her family. She was the beloved daughter of Amada Marroquin and Juan Escobedo, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her three half-brothers. From an early age, she carried herself with a spirited sassiness that would remain with her most of her life. Those who knew her best remember her as passionate, loving, and full of life.

Mary Dora graduated from Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she pursued specialized courses in typing, shorthand, and secretarial skills. Her education provided the foundation for a career spent primarily in finance. She was respected for her reliability and professionalism, and she took pride in doing her work well.

Faith in God was an important part of Mary Dora’s life. She enjoyed reading, sharing lunches with her girlfriends, and shopping at thrift stores, where she found delight in discovering special treasures. She also had a lasting interest in Native American and Egyptian cultures.

Mary Dora’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, with whom she shared 48 loving years of marriage. She also leaves behind her children, Mary and Elizabeth (Bettina). Her legacy continues through one granddaughter, Bettina, one grandson, Rigel, one great-grandson, Dominic, and two great-granddaughters, Rosa and Evelyn. She is also survived by a number of nieces and a nephew, as well as several cousins, all of whom will cherish her memory and the many ways she touched their lives.

Though her passing leaves a profound emptiness, Mary Dora’s life was filled with the love of family, faith, and friendship. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her legacy will continue through the generations that follow. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on June 27, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The family will receive friends and family at 1:00 PM prior to the service at “Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home” located at 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043. The service will be "live-streamed" for those unable to be there in person.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on her behalf to "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital".

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