It is with profound sadness that I share with you the news of the sudden passing of Mary Hoch. On Monday evening, she suffered a severe head trauma from a fall in her home.
As I write these words, the reality of her pre-mature death is incomprehensible to me. Her influence on me as well as Concordia Conservatory and our community was extensive and profound. Mary and Jim’s generosity and insight created what has become one of the true treasures of the community and Concordia College - premiere music series, the Hoch Chamber Music Series, drawing audiences from Westchester and Fairfield Counties, as well as New York City. Mary’s love for all great music provided the engine to present some the most accomplished performing artists from the worlds of classical music, opera, Broadway, pop and jazz.
The Hochs’ three children, Bill, Julia and Ross, are the reason that Mary joined our Conservatory family. Bill, Julia and Ross studied, participated and performed in every aspect of our Conservatory. Mary was dedicated and cherished their music education. In addition, Mary served on our Conservatory Advisory Board, chaired many events and initiatives, was the recipient of the Concordia College Community Award and was a tireless cheerleader and fundraiser for Concordia. We relied on her wise counsel as well as her unfettered enthusiasm. Abraham Lincoln once said, “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” By that measure, our Mary lived a rich and full life and we will all miss her dearly.
Jim and the entire Hoch family have requested that in lieu of flowers, we honor Mary by contributing to Concordia Conservatory. In her name, we are establishing Mary C. Hoch Endowed Scholarship and the Hoch Chamber Music Series Endowment. Please make a donation here or send all gifts directly to Kathleen Suss Concordia College at 171 White Plains Road, Bronxville, NY 10708.