Haddox, Mari K., Ph.D. 58, of Edina, MN, formerly of Houston, TX, passed away peacefully at home after a 15 year battle with Autonomic Nervous System Degeneration (Dysautonomia). She is survived by her partner of 39 years, Lita (Mary L.) Fike; her sisters, Melanie (Sue Kennedy), Janet (Tom Grones), Jenifer (Lee Ashmore), Connie (Diane Grund) and Therese; she is also survived by her mother, Alice; her sister-in-law, Linda Haddox; her nephews, Jamin (Janeen) and Jonathon Haddox; her niece, Alison Grones (Jimmy Haws); and nephew, Timothy Grones. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Linville Haddox. Mari graduated from Holy Angels Academy in 1968; she received her B.S. from the University of Minnesota University Without Walls, and her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona. She served as professor of Pharmacology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas for 17 years, before retiring on disability. Mari was voted Favorite Professor by the medical students several years in a row. She also received many grants from the National Institutes of Health to pursue her research into mechanisms of cellular growth in cancer, as well as awards from the American Heart Association for her contributions to research in that area. Lists of her many publications may be found in PubMed. One of her favorite aspects of working in science was mentoring students and younger scientists; she enjoyed explaining complex information in a manner that even the youngest student was able to understand. She greatly enjoyed fishing; she also loved gardening, gourmet cooking, and birding, and she had a strong interest in political and social justice causes. In the 1970's Mari served as campaign manager for Rep. Shirley Hokanson (DFL - MN State Legislature), and also was the Richfield Human Rights Commission Chairperson. Later she organized various groups to pursue both political agendas and financial expertise for women and was a member of the 4F Stock Club and the 1st Hawkes Investment Group. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, and supported various causes through the 1% Club. Her partner and family wish to thank the Fairview Hospice and Home Care for their excellent service over the last several months, and especially during this last week. They also wish to thank the Agewell home health aides who provided personal around the clock care, especially Matilda, Elizabeth and CeeCee. At Mari's request there will be no funeral service. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery will be private. Memorials are preferred to Hope Community or the American Heart Association . Cremation Society Edina Chapel (952-924-4100)
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Published online on April 15, 2009 courtesy of Star Tribune.
Kathy Root
Mari K. Haddox Ph.D. Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Colleen Gay (Gay)
I remember Mari well as whiz-bang smart! Her stellar career certainly fulfills that promise. So sorry to know she passed at such an early age.
Mary Wilson (Dwyer)
Mari was SO smart, in so many ways. I remember many great moments together and am sorry to hear she suffered for so long and died so young!