Mary Katherine Coss Hedges, 88, of Smithsburg, MD and Quincy, Pa. passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at her home. She was born on October 4, 1932 in Leitersburg, MD. to the late Charles Calvin Coss and Virginia (Nellie) Huff Coss. She was their youngest child and only daughter. Mary was also preceded in death by one son, Stephen Charles Newcomer in 1976; two brothers, Charles William Coss and Richard Leon Coss. At eight years of age, her family moved to Kennedyville, MD. where her father was employed by the late Glen L. Martin as a farm manager. Mary often fondly recalled her childhood years on the Eastern Shore where she first acquired a love of nature. At the age of 15, her family moved back to Washington County, MD where she graduated from Smithsburg High School in 1949. She married Charles L. Newcomer March 25, 1951. The couple began their life together in Cheverly, MD and later moved to Landover Hills, MD. In 1962, they returned to Washington County, MD with their four children, residing in Smithsburg, MD. Mary began a part-time job in 1966 at Farhney Keedy in Boonsboro, MD. followed by a job as an instructional assistant for special needs children. She began her formal college years at the age of 49 and graduated from Hood College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 1983; and from the University of Maryland in 1986 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her graduate internship at Brook Lane Health Services ultimately lead her to employment with that organization for 28 years as an LCSW-C. Much of her work during those years focused on grief therapy. Mary loved her professional work and had a special gift for helping others with loss and suffering. She retired in 2014 at the age of 82. Mary was also a true soulmate of nature. She loved flowers, plants, and observing the cycles of growth in seasons and all living things. She was an avid bird watcher and loved to read about nature as well as people in search of the deeper meanings of life. Mary was protestant by faith and a seeker of understanding life and spirituality through her many valued relationships and interactions with friends and family. Mary met Alan Hedges to whom she has been happily married since 1998. In addition to Alan, Mary is survived by three children, Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel and husband Judge Terrance Ketchel of Shalimar, Florida, Donna Jean Newcomer and husband Arnold E. Hammann of Cambridge, Maryland, Thomas Coss Newcomer and wife Esther Newcomer of Hagerstown, Maryland; grandchildren Caleb Coble (Erin), Leif Coble (Melissa), Micah Ketchel, Andrew Ketchel (McKenzie), Jason Dempsey, and Ashley Newcomer Mills (Donald). In addition, she is survived by nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A private viewing and burial will be held for immediate family only. Online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Franklin County Hospice.