Mary Catherine Humpert, 94

When handing Mary “Tootsie” Humpert a newspaper, she would always say “Did I die today”?
Mary Catherine Humpert, aka “Tootsie” finally got her turn and she passed away peacefully at home July 14, 2022, with her family & friends by her side. Mary was born in Greensburg, IN, October 8, 1927, she was the daughter of William and Catherine (Laudick) Loechle. She married Leon Humpert on September 25, 1948 and he preceded her in death on May 19, 1991.
Growing up in a time when work was more needed than an education, she finished 8th grade in St. Maurice, IN. Early in life she spent most of her time working on the farm, helping to raise her daughter, and working many side jobs to make ends meet. Cooking was her specialty, and most would always request the fried chicken or pork chops.
Later in life she wanted to work for the friendships and spent nearly 20 years as a cashier at the local Truckstop. She not only developed many friendships but met many different people from around the country. She was known for loaning her wages for numerous reasons such as broke down vehicles, empty fuel tanks, and feeding hungry guests. Only later in life was it known that loaning turned out to be giving, because loans were supposed to be paid back. She always said, “when someone needs a helping hand, give it because you never know when you might need it”.
Mary spent her spare time, mowing & taking care of the farm. She just enjoyed her grandchildren & great-grandson Will. Mary loved playing cards, watching Hallmark movies, or sitting and visiting with a Diet Pepsi, and Hersey Chocolate drops. She never shied away from telling everyone she knew that she had the best family & friends that money could buy.
14 years ago, started a series of rather significant medical adversities. She survived a stroke, broken bones, an aneurysm, and Covid. She spent many days in rehabilitation for these challenges. Toots always bragged about the care she received from the various doctors, nurses, therapists, and aides. Her loving family went to the ends of the earth to ensure her care and comfort at home especially these last few years. Her amazing medical team of Millie Shane, Brenda Stidam, and Carol Davis were first rate. Their expertise allowed her to remain at home and enjoy her last days with family and friends.
The family as well as Mary, would like to personally thank the following angels: niece Anita Navara, David Stevens, Danny Shane and Nick & Suzann Fasbinder for all their help with many appointments and special one on one visiting sessions at her home. These angels would often stop by for a visit, a meal or even a pineapple milk shake.
She is survived by sister Alberta McQueen, son-in-law John Moore, grandchildren Suzann Moore, Shannon and Lori Moore, and great-grandson Will Moore
She was preceded in death by daughter Kathleen “Kathy” Moore, sisters Rita Lawrence, Loretta Suding, and brother William “Uncle Bill” Loechle
Bass and Gasper Funeral Home, Westport, IN. will be handling arrangements. A Memorial Service will occur Saturday July 23, 2022 at 11:00 am, St. Mary’s Parish in Greensburg, IN, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Interment will be held in St. Maurice Catholic Cemetery in St. Maurice.
Those who knew her best, knew she loved flowers and while they made her happy, she would prefer you give to the following organizations that were near and dear to her heart. St. Mary’s Parish Greensburg Building Fund, Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana, Decatur County Animal Shelter, or just continue to feed the birds this winter.
Mary would always say:
“Where there’s a will there’s a way. When life gets you down, don’t let it hold you down.”