Mari Rink's Obituary
Mari Hege Rink of Cornelius, NC passed away November 6th at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte following complications from surgery.
She was born August 7, 1935 to the late Theresa Cooke Hege and John Dennis Hege of Salisbury, NC. She graduated from Boyden High and then Catawba College as did her late husband, Joe Lee Rink also of Salisbury.
Extremely intelligent, creative, witty and fun to be around, she was always respected and well-liked. She had an amazing gift for connecting with anyone and everyone she met in life. New acquaintances would often be asked many questions because Mari took a genuine interest in each person as an individual and sincerely wanted to know more about them. Her ability to learn and then recall details about people including their birthdays, anniversaries, other dates and other items of importance to them was enviable.
Mari was also an insightful writer, a talented artist and even played piano. She had an unmatched decorating talent that was especially obvious during the Christmas holidays. She was extremely neat and orderly, and kept an uncluttered, spotless home complete with small, simple yet elegant furniture often adorned by unique or hand-made items, things made from wood, or petite decorations.
She enjoyed the beauty of nature, the mountains, colorful trees in the fall, various flowering bushes and other plants. She loved animals, too, especially dogs and cats including her most recent feline companion “Boss”. In recent years she enjoyed feeding squirrels and birds. She was surprised and highly amused when an area crow she called “Sam” actually started knocking on her door (loudly) one day wanting to be fed some more of her Ritz crackers.
Her love for being around the water began as a child at Lake James, NC where her parents and other family members owned old wooden cabins for summer use. Later in life when she and Joe got married, they bought their own cabin for family fun. Then, in 1971, the couple bought a home on Lake Norman where she has lived ever since. This was all good fortune for their two sons who grew up enjoying both lakes and various water sports including skiing and scuba diving.
When the army stationed Joe in Germany during the mid 50’s, Mari traveled overseas to be with him. She learned the language, became friends with locals, bought an old VW and used it to visit scenic castles, the mountains and other things she found there. In 1958 she became pregnant with their first son. Mari was determined the baby would be born back home in the U.S.A., but she wanted to stay with Joe as long as possible. So, to avoid the travel restrictions of that era, she “fudged” the length of time she had been pregnant so she could still get on the ship back home. Though she never returned, her love of things from or about Germany remained with her forever.
Mari has always been a “giver”. She has always put the needs of everyone else before her own. One example of this is the role of caregiver she has willingly accepted several times. It started in the 60’s when her son Mike was suffering through years of severe childhood asthma. In the 70’s and early 80’s her husband was stricken with multiple sclerosis and then melanoma cancer. Mari provided Joe with years of incredible support while simultaneously taking remarkable care of their two sons. When Joe passed in January of 1986, Mari took on the role of both parents and continued nurturing their two sons and helping them move forward in their lives.
When her own father’s health declined in the 90’s, she bought a second residence in his town so she could live close enough to help him when needed. After her dad passed, she moved her mom back to Lake Norman to live with her and then took care of her mom until she passed years later.
Most recently, when an elderly neighbor with no family in the states started having problems, she helped him for several years until he finally moved back to England. Even after he was gone, she made overseas calls to check on him and forwarded mail to him.
For 87 years Mari was a wonderful inspiration to others, especially her family. She faced many emotional, mental, physical and other challenges (including some significant surgeries), but she never complained. She always pushed forward and always tried to make others happy. She is described by one of her granddaughters as selfless, honest, devoted and genuine. One of her sons added simply, “To those she loved, she gave everything”.
On September 11th, Mari was diagnosed with a benign tumor inside her skull cavity. With a positive prognosis and everyone (including her) expecting a fast, complete recovery, she entered surgery. But it was not to be. She ended up spending 57 days in Novant Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by some truly awesome nurses who did all they could to help her. She fought a very courageous fight, but she could not overcome complications of the surgery. Mari left this world on November 6th at 1pm to be with the Lord and to finally rejoin the love of her life (Joe).
She leaves behind two eternally grateful sons Mike Rink (Peggy Cavin) of Denver, NC and Marc Rink of Charlotte, NC and his daughters Katie and Sarah. She is also survived by her beloved, older sister Cindy Hege Rodgers and children Audrey and Eric, cousins Frances “Fave” Walton (Jerry) and Nancy Taylor (Boyd) as well as numerous other relatives, lots of friends… and absolutely no enemies. Her sons would also like to recognize and thank three very special people (Laura Barringer, Pam Rink and Gaby Kerchen) for the important and wonderful part each played in making her life more complete.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 12 from 4pm to 7pm at James Funeral Home, 10520 Arahova Dr, Huntersville, NC. Casual attire is encouraged. A private funeral will be held in Salisbury, NC at a later date.
Cards may be sent to Mari’s family at 21205 Lakeview Circle, Cornelius, NC 28031.
In lieu of flowers, Mari would have preferred helping others in need. Her sons have favorite, 501 (C) (3) charities and would be honored by any memorials sent in their mom’s honor to either:
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The Hall Of Fame Foundation, PO Box 4070, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597, or online at www.halloffamefoundation.org.
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The Atrium Health Foundation, 208 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 (make sure to specify Pediatric Cancer & Blood Disorders and Mari Rink’s name on your check) or online at www.atriumhealthfoundation.org/tribute. Select Pediatric Cancer & Blood Disorders from the drop-down menu and list the honoree’s name.
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