Dr. Mary C. Hallenbeck, 87, of Branford, died peacefully Oct. 30 while in the kind care of Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Mary was born May 19, 1926 in Albany, New York to the late Johnson Potter Hallenbeck and Margaret Lewis Hallenbeck. She grew up on the banks of the Mohawk River at Hoffman's Ferry, New York, caring for many animals on the little farm as a child. She went on to Cornell Veterinary College at a time when there were very few women veterinarians, and began practicing in New York before becoming a veterinarian for many years at Merryfield Animal Hospital in Hamden.

Mary was an avid traveler who visited more than 100 countries. She was also an ardent outdoorswoman and enjoyed biking, hiking, canoeing, and birding throughout much of New England and many other locales. Mary was a lifetime member of the Adirondack Mountain Club and a member of the ADK46ers, completing the climbs in 1988. She served as president of the Sleeping Giant Park Association, was a member of the New Haven Hiker's Club, and was a longtime member of the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Mary will be remembered by all for her love of life, the captivating stories of her adventures, her quick wit, and her unique sense of humor.

She is survived by six nephews, Robert Hallenbeck of West Chester, Pennsylvania, William Hallenbeck of Niskayuna, New York, Patrick Hallenbeck of Montreal, Quebec, James Hallenbeck of Santa Clara, California, John Hallenbeck of Chili, New York, and Thomas Hallenbeck of Bishop, California; four nieces, Julianne Hallenbeck of Skillman, New Jersey, Mary Hallenbeck of Mount Dora, Florida, Margaret Hallenbeck of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Brenda Hallenbeck of Framingham, Massachusetts; two sisters-in-law, Coreen Pryor Hallenbeck and Nancy Skelly Hallenbeck Snashall; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Mary was predeceased by her two brothers, Robert P. Hallenbeck and Lewis W. Hallenbeck.

Friends are invited to a celebration of life on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at Harbor Village Clubhouse, 120 Short Beach Rd, Branford. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Players Foundation (Long Wharf Theater) 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT 06511 or Branford Land Trust, P.O. Box 258, Branford, CT 06405. The Guilford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.