Jean Marie Hooper, 73, of Lusby, MD passed away on December 17, 2010 at her home. Jean was born on September 15, 1937 in Washington D.C. to the late Thelma Marie and Louis James Russell.

Besides her parents, Jean is also predeceased by her husband, Leroy B. Hooper, a son, Leroy Gerald "Jerry" Hooper and a brother, John Russell.

She was a member of St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church in Benedict and Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons. She was a past member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Benedict Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad and an active member of the Third Alarmers for Solomons Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad.

During the eighties, Jean worked with Special Ed Students at Thomas Stone. Jean was a self taught Paleontologist and Museum Interpreter, who enjoyed educating children and adults alike at the Calvert Marine Museum. She enjoyed fossil hunting and all things about nature, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. She was an avid dog lover and will be greatly missed by her companion, ChiChi.

Jean is survived by a daughter, Debra Marie Kustka ( John) of Prince Frederick, MD, a son Gary Michael Hooper (Melanie) of Benedict, MD, grandchildren Thomas Simmons, Jr., Matthew Simmons, Paul Hooper (Megan), Zachary Hooper and Elizabeth Hooper. She is also survived by one great granddaughter, Marlie Hooper and Sisters Jackie Dixon and Joan Duley and a brother Joel Russell.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday December 21, 2010 from 10-12 Noon at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD where services will follow at 12 noon. Interment will be in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD. Pallbearers are Thomas Simmons, Jr., Matthew Simmons, John Kustka, Gary Hooper, Zachary Hooper and Paul Hooper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Solomons Vol. Fire and Rescue Dept. P.O. Box 189, Solomons, MD 20688 or Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.