Mary Elizabeth (Backer) Hubbard

Mary Backer Hubbard, 97, passed peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday February 1, 2022. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 8, 1924 to John W. and Mary (Askew) Backer. She married John R. (Bob) Hubbard on September 1, 1950. Mary attended Western High School and Goucher College in Baltimore. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Zoology. While attending the University of Vermont, Mary spent her summers as a research assistant in genetics at the University of Pennsylvania, and also at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Mary's library career began in high school when she was a part-time student assistant at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore. It continued when she was appointed librarian at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore. From there she attended the University of Wisconsin and received her Master's of Library Science degree. Later, she became the first professional librarian at the Academy of Medicine of Toledo and Lucas County which is now University of Toledo Medical College (UTMC). She held many other notable library positions during her career; however, she was appointed Manager of Science and Technology, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in 1971, and retired from that post in 1990.

Mary was adventurous and had decided to pursue employment which would not only further her career, but further her travels west. She had planned on working in different cities with her ultimate destination being California. The first westward employment location was Toledo, Ohio. In Toledo, she met Bob Hubbard in a church fellowship group called "The Godwin Class". Bob had started the group as a way for younger members to fellowship and have fun. Bob's popularity and sense of humor won her over and they were engaged to be married six months after meeting. Although she never moved from Toledo, Bob and Mary shared similar passions for travel and adventure. During their 49 years of marriage, they had visited every state in the U.S. and several Canadian Provinces. After Bob passed in 1999, Mary continued her travels in Europe. She had visited Poland, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Argentina, Chile, England, and Scotland.

Mary had been involved in numerous organizations which reflected her interests both professionally and personally. Her broad interests included gardening, boating, nature, history, traveling, art, zoo, camping, symphony, and genealogy. Mary was particularly proud of her MacLeod Scottish ancestry and enjoyed attending annual Scottish Games and MacLeod Gatherings.

She is survived by her son, Howard (Patricia); daughter, Mary Zychowicz (Frank); 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; and brother, John (Mary) Backer. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Philip; and granddaughter, Sarah.

Burial will be private. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Cherry Street Mission and the Bethany House. Other considerations are the Library Foundation of the Toledo-Lucas County Library, Read for Literacy, and the Toledo Animal Shelter. Arrangements by the Thos. I. Wisniewski Funeral Home (419)531-4424.

www.wisniewskifuneral.net

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