Roll Call Tribute

Mary H. (Edmondson) Poarch 

July 1, 1958 - June 24, 2024 

Mary Edmondson Poarch passed away on the 24th of June, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on July 1, 1958, in Columbia, SC, to Janis Lynette Bland and Homer Vincent Edmondson.

Mary was a passionate and successful science educator for 42 years. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1982, she began her career in Evant, TX, transitioning to Copperas Cove, TX. From Copperas Cove she moved back to San Antonio, where she taught at Hobby Middle School. From Hobby, Mary went to Alamo Heights Junior School. While at Alamo Heights, she spent three years with the Urban Systemic Initiative mentoring teachers all over San Antonio. Mary spent 17 years in Alamo Heights before becoming the Director of Science for North East ISD. After 31 years, Mary retired from public education to return to what she loved most- teaching 6th grade Science at Saint Mary’s Hall. Along the way she earned a Master's degree from the University of Texas and was ABD at Our Lady of the Lake University. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and recognitions for her work inside the classroom and in the education community. Her reach extended far beyond her own classroom as she reached the lives of thousands of students and educators across the country.

Mary loved photography, travel, and nature. She blended those interests into stunning tours of the United States and our national parks, 45 of which she was able to visit, photograph, and enjoy with her family. Her photographs brought joy and wonder to anyone who saw them, and they were an inspiration for many to explore the great outdoors.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Luis Rodriguez, Dr. Amita Patnaik and all the staff of the START Center for their amazing care of Mary. We’d also like to thank Samantha Edwards and the staff of Advanced Hospice Services for their compassionate rendering of care the last few weeks. A special thank you to Marla Caton, Missy Northington, Mary Anne Topperwein, Val Felger and the many other friends who have been such a special part of Mary’s life.

She is predeceased by her parents, and sister, Katharine Anne Edmondson.

She is survived by her husband, Danny Poarch; son, Matthew Poarch and his wife, Sarah Poarch; brother, Joe Comeaux and his wife, Teresa.