Maria Vaughan Frey | Raleigh News & Observer

Maria Vaughan Frey died unexpectedly of cancer on January 31, 2014 at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

Ms. Frey was born March 9, 1950 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, daughter of William J. and Jean A. Frey. She was one of three children, a sister Tina deceased, and is survived by her brother Allan, an aunt, a nephew and several close cousins.

Maria graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in civil engineering in 1973 and worked for several years in in the Lancaster area. Shortly thereafter she joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Teguciagalpa Honduras where she helped to plan and outfit hospitals. She served an additional term in the Corps after which she remained in Honduras for another four years, teaching English at the American school and working as a consultant with the Partners of the Americas. While there, she enjoyed snorkeling excursions, visiting ancient ruins and playing trumpet with a local band.

She returned to the states, settling in Chapel Hill where she earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of North Carolina in 1993. She remained in Chapel Hill and for 14 years, was employed by Holland Land Surveying. Maria had an adventurous spirit, strong Christian faith and a deep concern for the environment. She had many friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held at a future date at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chapel Hill. Memorials can be made in her memory to the Orange County Animal Shelter (919-967-7383).

Walker‘s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is serving the family.