Mary T. Droste
June 1, 1936 – June 15, 2026
Mary T. Droste, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 90.
She was the devoted wife of Burton Droste, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage.
Mary was the loving mother of: Sandy Hancock (Dan), Terry Bryant (Fred), Jack Droste (Sally), Patty McGownd (Jeff).
She was the cherished grandmother of: Daniel Bryant, Navy Petty Officer Second Class , Katie King (Adam), Kelsey Batten (Danny) ,Jacob Droste (Katti) , Cori Grass (Daniel), Sam McGownd (Kitty), Kim Smith (Neil) and Jonah Wheeler.
Mary was the proud great-grandmother of: Charlie King, Robbie King, Brysen Heid, Brantley Heid, Branson Heid, Baylor Heid, Jacklyn Jean “JJ” Droste, John Gerard “Jax” Droste, Nora Batten, Molly Batten, Andrew Grass, Morgan Smith and Carson Smith.
She was the daughter of the late Steve and Mary (McHugh) Sabo.
Mary is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Norland and Susan Gamache. She was preceded in death by her brother, Steve Sabo. She is further survived by her nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved her husband, Burt, and together they traveled the world, creating a lifetime of cherished memories. Her love, strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion will be remembered by all who knew her. Mary leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through the many lives she touched and the family she so dearly treasured.
May her memory be a blessing to all who loved her.
The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary’s honor be made to the Employee Christmas Fund at Friendship Village, 12563 Village Circle Drive, St. Louis, MO 63127.
Celebration of Life – Friday, June 26th, 2026 (1pm Mass, 2-5pm Gathering of Family and Friends)
Location – Friendship Village, 12563 Village Circle Drive, St. Louis, MO 63127. Upon entering Friendship Village, stay right to Ballroom.
My best Friendship Village friend, Mary was always there for me. I will miss her so much.
Deepest Sympathies to Family
Charlie Hoessle Friendship Village
Director Emeritus
St. Louis Zoo
Sandy, Terry, Jack, and Patty thank you for letting us be with you during this difficult time and entrusting us with the honor of her memorial. Your Mom and Dad, and more recently, your aunt, have been great additions to the community of Friendship Village. We are thankful for the many memories and moments we have got to share with them. Please remember the promises of God like He is “near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18. The chaplain’s team is lifting you up in prayer.
Burt and Mary were long time friends of our family. We have many great memories of fun times with the Drostes. Our hearts go out to Burt (my dad’s best friend),
Jack,Sandy,Terry,and Patti. Cherish your memories of such a wonderful family.
Mary and Burt were the first Friendship Village residents to welcome my husband and me to Friendship Village just a couple of months prior to the Covid pandemic. She was always there to comfort, share and offer support even when she was dealing with her own discomfort. I will miss her so very much. Condolences to all of Mary’s family.
I met Mary through my husband. They were lifelong friends from Epiphany Grade School. We sure had some great fun through all these years. Thanks for all the memories and laughter.
Always the greatest neighbors on Trelane. What a loss to one of the most pleasant and kindest persons I ever have known!! Glad I kept in touch. She will be so missed by many, but mostly by her one and only love!
So sorry for your loss.
“May there be peace on her spirit and eternal light on her soul.” ( 3 x)
I married intothe Family 43 years ago when I married Terry. Each celebration, dinner, anniversary, and all the other get-togethers Mary was there. She and Burt are the best.
Sandy, so sorry that my schedule was already overbooked on Friday and that I was unable to attend your mom’s service/visitation. I know there was a crowd given the size of your family, all the relatives, close friends, neighbors, and business associates. There is simply nothing better than having wonderful parents and I know that yours fall into that category. Prayers for you all as you move forward without your sweet mom.