Mary Esther Camacho

Mary E. Hockenbery Camacho passed away October 1, 2020 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. An only child to Paul Stewart Hockenbery and Lillian Marie Martin, she was born, July 8, 1929 in Wichita. She and Gerald “Jerry” Lopez Camacho were married on October 29, 1947 in Wichita. He preceded her in death on January 28, 2018. Mary was an X-Ray Technician at St. Francis Medical Center in the late 1950’s. In 1964, she became the first Registered Technologist in Nuclear Medicine for the State of Kansas. Upon completion of her training, she worked at Wesley Medical Center and later worked for Dr. White, Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department at The Wichita Clinic. Forced into early retirement due to health issues, Mary and Jerry enjoyed traveling, working with the AKC Dog Training Club and doing genealogical research. She became a member of the Daughters of American Revolution in 1988 and was active on both the chapter and state level. At the time of her death, Mary was waiting to receive confirmation of a 14th American Revolutionary War Patriot. She is survived by children, Jerry P (Cher) of Nebraska; Cheryl (Don) Cook of Missouri; Stephen of Wisconsin; and Michael (Pat) of Haysville; nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, cousin Eugene Hockenbery of the State of Washington, and multiple nieces and nephews. In addition to Gerald, she was preceded in death by her parents, numerous aunts, uncles, & cousins. Rosary will be at 6:00 pm, Friday, October 9, 2020. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 10, 2020, both at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. A memorial has been established with the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.