The Life of Mathilda B. Tucker
Born and raised in Johnstown, PA to Austrian immigrants, Teda’s first language was German, having to learn English before enrolling in school. She passed down countless stories of growing up during the Depression when everyone appreciated what little they had. She was a life-long member of the clean plate club and learned to reuse/recycle before it was a thing. Witty and quick with a ready comeback, her humor never faded.
As an independent woman of the fifties, she worked in the US State Dept. and in the US Dept. of Agriculture, until she met and married Harry in 1955. They lived in Charlottesville, VA to start a family, then moved to Iowa in 1962, and eventually settled in Raleigh, NC. Teda was an iconic housewife, making homemade meals, sewing clothes, and raising vegetables in her backyard garden. She was an avid reader, keeping up with current events and would discuss them with her family. She kept in touch with life-long friends as a quintessential letter-writer. Competitive but always a fair strategist of games, Teda preferred Othello, Chinese checkers, playing cards, and Sudoku.
Teda also enjoyed the Five Points Center for many decades where she began to paint with acrylics. Artistry ran in her blood, and she was an excellent painter and her artwork is hung throughout the house and her children’s and grandchildren’s homes. She was a devoted Catholic, volunteering for many years as a church usher at the former Sacred Heart Cathedral and as an Extraordinary Minister. Her favorite color was blue because of her special fondness for and devotion to the Blessed Mother. Those who knew her will remember that her smile lit up a room, and she never had an unkind word to say about anybody. She put others first always, no matter the situation and had abundant patience. She served her community in her free time, running errands for the elderly, taking groceries, postal stamps, and other items to them, and spending meaningful time with shut-ins. Her nature was first and foremost selfless to the core, as well as majestic and humble. She will always be remembered by her children as a woman of genteel nature, and class.
Teda is preceded in death by her husband, Harry Tucker, Jr. of Raleigh, parents Lucy (Bittman) and Ludwig Bauer, Jr., brother Ludwig Bauer III (Hilda), of Johnstown, PA, and daughter and and son-in-law Mary Rita Exum and Jerry Exum of Raleigh, NC.
She is survived by her children Agatha Shilling (Mark) of Orange, TX; Sara Carter (Norfleet) of Raleigh, NC; Eugenia Marie Crooms of Raleigh, NC; and Robert Tucker (Tina) of Greer, SC. Grandchildren Margaret Shilling Fletcher (Colin) of Cary, NC; Christie Shilling Zimmerman (Joey) of Suffolk, VA; Alora Crooms Boerner (Jake) of Oak Island, NC; and Kai Tucker of Greer, SC. Great grandchildren Emmett and Cora Fletcher of Cary, NC; and nephews Jeffrey Bauer (Joanne) and Ted Bauer (Barb), as well as many cousins, great nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice who provided nurturing and caring comfort during her final months; many devoted and caring neighbors, especially Teressa, neighbor of 55 years; friend Meriel, who brought Communion for many years; long time mail carrier, Roderick, delivering letters with a bright smile; and her last living pen pal, Evelyn; the Five Points Center for Active Adults where she met so many wonderful people over the years; and Meals on Wheels of Wake County and their volunteers, who delivered meals to her home during her final years, which she looked forward to and greatly enjoyed.
There will be Visitation on January 12, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC 27605. A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Raleigh on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:30 am immediately followed by a burial at Historic Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Meals on Wheels of Wake County, 1001 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603 (https://www.wakemow.org) or the charity of one’s choice.