Mary Ellen Hancock

Mary Ellen Hancock, 85, passed away of natural causes in her home on May 21, 2026, with her cat Quincey at her side.

She was born on August 21, 1940, in Page, North Dakota to Dale and Leona Woodbury. She graduated from Page High School in 1958 and remained friends with all of her classmates through her and their lives. She went to Jamestown College and received her Elementary teaching certificate. She was hired to teach at Lowell Elementary in Great Falls, Montana. After moving to Great Falls, she met her husband-to-be Malcolm “Mal” Hancock. They were married on June 8, 1962, and remained married until his death in 1993.

When their daughter Leslie was born in 1963, Mary became a stay-at-home mom. Through Leslie's childhood Mary became deeply involved with the Great Falls Figure Skating Club. She volunteered with other parents designing and sewing costumes for competitions and ice shows. She became a certified judge for figure skating tests and competitions. In 1986, Mary went back to college to get her master's degree and began her career as a Literacy Teacher with the Great Falls Public Schools at Loy Elementary. She taught there until her retirement in 2012. After retirement, she continued her friendships with the teachers at her school, enjoyed reading, doing puzzles and sharing her sense of humor.

She is survived by her daughter Leslie (Ray); and grandchildren, Angie (Dustin) Wanner, Mauro (Julia) Whiteman, and Bridgette Whiteman; five great-grandchildren; two sisters; a brother; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; one sister; and three brothers.

We are honoring my mom's request of cremation and no funeral services. Thank you all for your outpouring of love and support.