Mary Spaulding Hense

October 18, 1929 - May 11, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary in Burbank, California. She was 95 years young - a vibrant, compassionate woman whose life was filled with music, joy, and deep connection.

Mary was born in Pasadena, the daughter of Harold Spaulding and Wilhelmina Atwood. She grew up in Altadena and Pasadena and graduated from South Pasadena - San Marino High School. Remarkably, she stayed in touch with some of her childhood friends throughout her life.

Mary's brilliance as a musician and educator was evident early on. She earned her BA in music from Pomona College in 1950, studied piano at USC with Madame Rosina Lhevinne, and received a Fulbright Scholarship that led her to the Paris Conservatory, where she earned her Diplome in piano. She later earned a Master of Music from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1954. Her career included teaching at the University of Texas at Austin, Santa Barbara City College, and most notably, Pasadena City College, where she spent many years shaping young musicians, creating the piano ensemble program, and bringing music to life with both grace and rigor.

In 1967, Mary married William Hense in Altadena. Though the couple did not have children together, Mary lovingly helped raise Bill's five daughters from a previous marriage, remaining a constant presence in their lives and those of their children. Her extended family includes many who considered her a second mother or cherished aunt.

Mary's life was filled with beauty - of music, of the world, and of spirit. She performed across Southern California, Texas, Colorado, and Paris as a soloist and as part of the Young-Spaulding Duo. She was an active leader in numerous professional organizations, including serving as president of the California Group Piano Association and organizing and adjudicating for major piano conferences and competitions. Even in retirement, she continued to give back, mentor, and inspire.

Outside of her profession, Mary was pure light. Her radiant smile, generous hospitality, and boundless curiosity drew people in. Her Altadena home was a hub of warmth and joy - until it was sadly lost in the January 2025 fire. Fortunately, Mary had an apartment waiting at Monte Cedro, a beautiful independent living community where she planned to begin her next chapter.

Mary was a lifelong learner, a lover of fine food, good wine, and all things French. She embraced technology with ease and carried herself with youth and enthusiasm well into her nineties. Her 'joie de vivre' was unmistakable. To know her was to feel uplifted.

Mary is survived by her sister-in-law Kathy Winer, sister-in-law Martha Ward, nephews Dan Ward, Brad Winer, and Grant Winer, niece Kirsten Winters, cousin Mary Barton, and numerous other cousins from the Spaulding side of the family. She is also lovingly remembered by her stepdaughters and their families. She leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives she touched with kindness, brilliance, and music.

Mary was a gift to us all. Her melody will linger in our hearts forever.