Ute Margarete Hancock passed away on June 15, 2013 after battling Emphysema for well over a decade. Her tenacity, stubbornness, humor and sheer will in her fight were extraordinary. She embraced life fully and inspired and encouraged everyone she met.
Ute was born in Darmstadt, Germany on June 12, 1943 to Margarete and Heinrich Hofmann. Many hours in damp bomb shelters during World War II as an infant and a childhood case of Pertussis took a toll on her health. However, she overcame these obstacles and went on to win the German Youth Championship in roller skating in 1958.
Love and marriage brought Ute to the United States in 1963. A true renaissance woman, she possessed many talents. Ute’s passion for inspiring others led her to a stint as a German language teacher. After many years of being a stay-at-home-mom, Ute returned to the workforce as a District Manager for the Sierra Vista Herald in Sierra Vista, Arizona. She then realized a lifelong dream and became a reporter for the newspaper, writing feature articles. She was recognized on several occasions for her innate ability to touch people’s lives through her words. Ute was also a gourmet cook and loved to cook for family and friends. She was remarkable in her knowledge, and could touch upon almost any subject imaginable. Her love of animals was also well known and she had many pets to include mice, dogs, cats, flying squirrels and a mockingbird named Peck Peck that was her devoted companion for ten years.
Ute is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Larry Hancock and her sister, Irma Wilmot. She is survived by her sister, Helga Fath of Darmstadt, Germany. She is also survived by her son, Stephan Hancock of Tyrone, NM, daughter Tanja Upton of Taunton, MA, son-in-law Robert Upton of Taunton, MA and granddaughter Desiree Sarna of Taunton, MA.
Ute’s love and support to her family and friends was boundless and she will be greatly missed. A funeral home service will be held at the O’Keefe-wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St. Taunton, Ma 02780 on Thursday at 7 pm. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours prior to the services from 6-7 pm. Burial will be private at the family’s request.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions can be made to the Taunton Animal Shelter in Taunton, MA.