Mary Ellen (Polster) Secora

Mary Ellen Polster Secora, 84, of Columbia, MO passed away on Tuesday April 22, 2025. Visitation will be Monday April 28, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Broadway Christian Church in Columbia, MO. Celebration of Life will begin at 11a.m with Reverend Sarah Taylor-Peck officiating. Mary will be buried at a later date at the Warrenton, MO City Cemetery near relatives. 
 
Mary was born November 8, 1940, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Raymond Gilbert and Lula Grace Ganzel Polster. She graduated from Maplewood Richmond Heights High School in 1958 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 from Iowa State University. Mary married Jim Stanaway in August 1961 in St. Louis, MO, and with whom she had two daughters, Suzy Stoecklein and Janet Stevens. She married Millard ‘Zeke’ Secora in March 1979 in Boonville, MO. 
 
A kind, loving woman with a generous spirit, Mary had an excellent sense of humor and was always up for a lively conversation. She taught English and French for a year at Pilot Grove, MO High School. For many years she worked at Boonslick Industries Sheltered Workshop and later, Services for Independent Living (SIL). Mary was at the forefront of technological applications for people with physical disabilities. She served on the Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council. After retirement in 2007 she enjoyed traveling, playing cards and most of all finding a good bargain at a garage or estate sale. 
 
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lu Polster, and husband Zeke Secora. She is survived by daughters Suzanne (Brad) Stoecklein of Macon, MO and Janet (Ed) Stevens of Columbia, MO, grandchildren Ryan (Coree) Stoecklein and Katy (Bryce) McDonald, great-grandchildren Callie Stoecklein and Baby McDonald (on the way), and sister Nancy Polster of Tucson, AZ. 
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Caring Hearts and Hands (end of life hospice care home) of Columbia, MO or Broadway Christian Church – Columbia, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Howardfuneralhome.com

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