Mary Frances Waters-Hiers, 71, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 9, 2015, with family by her side.
She is survived by her husband, Bobby J. Hiers; daughters Pamela Hiers-Butz (Thomas Butz), Shelly Hiers-Gianotti, Kelly Hiers, and Stacy Hiers-Hockenhull (Neil C Hockenhull); grandchildren Kyle Fowler, Stephen Gianotti, Kasey Fowler, Andrew Butz, Christiana Butz, Alana Hockenhull, and Hayden Hockenhull; great-grandchildren, Jayden Gianotti, and Jackson Gianotti and her brothers and sisters in-law who loved her dearly as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born in Chicago, Ill., on June 22, 1943, Waters-Hiers was the daughter of the late Thomas Joseph and Ruth Jane (Terrill) Waters. She was one of seven children and was predeceased by all of her loving brothers and sisters: Thomas Waters II, Mickie Waters, Kathleen Waters-Biggers, Donald Waters, Johnny Waters, and Margaret ‘Peggy’ Waters.
Her family moved to Florida in the 1950s, where she spent her teenage years growing up in what is now the historic land marked red brick home on US 1 in Sebastian. Her youth was marked by a love for the outdoors, the water in particular, a love for all things social, but mostly a love for family and The Lord. Her zest for life was apparent in everything she did; traits she carried forth throughout her lifetime.
She met the love of her life and husband of 54 years, Bobby J Hiers, in the small seaside community of Sebastian. This union marked the beginning of a life filled with love, hard work, children, fulfilled dreams, and amazing accomplishments.
Alongside her husband, Waters-Hiers spent the early years of their marriage working tirelessly to help build the family business. She would juggle working from home with raising four daughters. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing, loving mother, and a skilled business woman. As a result of a rigorous work ethic, she and Bobby were successful in their business ventures and became respected business owners in their community.
Of all that has been achieved or cherished by Waters-Hiers throughout her lifetime, nothing compares to the love she has for her family and The Lord. She nurtured, counseled, refereed, and guided her loved ones. She devoted her time and energy to anyone in need. She gave generously and without hesitation. She adored her family and loved spending time with them.
From humble beginnings to worldly travel and everything in between, she and her beloved husband shared a lifetime of experiences. Her love for the outdoors and the water was evident by weekends spent boating and camping with family and friends. Cruises to the Bahamas and outer banks were a favorite in years past. Waters-Hiers had a genuine giving spirit and loved sharing her blessed life with others. Over the years, she enjoyed holiday celebrations with family and friends at her mountain cabin in North Carolina. When her love for water beckoned, she would spend her time in one of her favorite places, Islamorada, Fla. The sun and salt air always brought her such joy. Exploring Europe was at one time only a vision, but after years of hard work, she and Bobby experienced the beauty of faraway lands. Of all her travels, Waters-Hiers loved Ireland more than any other place. She was immensely proud of her Irish heritage and loved meeting and spending time with her Irish relatives.
Waters-Hiers had many hobbies during her lifetime. She loved competitive sports and she loved to socialize. In earlier years she was an avid bowler and played on a traveling league. On weekends, she could be found playing tennis, or a competitive game of cards. If she wasn’t playing the sport, she was spectating. She loved watching the Miami Dolphins, the tennis grand slams, or even the great boxers of the time. Throughout the years, Waters-Hiers turned her attentions toward her grand kids and their activities and sports. She was the ever so proud Nana, who eagerly attended every function and took great delight in her grandchildren’s endeavors. As the years went by and health issues arose, she continued to cheer from the sidelines and follow her grandchildren’s every accomplishment, never missing a beat.
She was blessed three years ago with her first great-granddaughter. She experienced this joy yet again with the recent birth of her first great-grandson.
We will forever cherish the memories of this dear lady. Her passing has indeed left a void in all of our lives, but we are all better off having loved and been loved by her.
Waters-Hiers was a member of St Helens Catholic Church, Holy Cross, and Vero Beach Golf and Country Club.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at St Helen’s Catholic Church, Vero Beach.
A private entombment will be held Thursday, April 16, with family at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Ft. Pierce.
Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory of Vero Beach is entrusted with arrangements.
