Mary Hines, educator, killed in fire

BALTIMORE - A long time educator was killed Thursday morning in a house fire in East Baltimore, fire officials say.

Neighbors called 911 after spotting heavy smoke coming from the home in the 2700-block of East Biddle Street.

When firefighters arrived on scene they were able to bring the flames under control quickly, but when crews searched the home they found 84-year-old Mary Hines.

She was already deceased.

Baltimore City Public Schools says Hines joined the school system in 1948 and she retired as Principal from William Pinderhughes Elementary School in September, 1981.

Neighbors say that one of Miss Mary's favorite things to do was to stand at her door looking out over the neighborhood. Now a little teddy bear hangs on that door with the words 'I am loved' on it's sweater.

"She would always stop us and say 'hi how are you doing' and wanted to hear how we made out as an adult and give us prayers and tell us we still had to pray, believe in God and go to church. Good things, she told us good things to do with our lives," says neighbor Anita Moore.

Mary had no family, but was a big member in the church and her community. She had lots of friends in both places.

An East Baltimore neighborhood now tries to say goodbye to a good neighbor, a teacher and all around good person.

"I was very sad to know that it was Miss Mary," said friend Barbara Hardmon.

Right now there is no word on what caused the fire.

Preliminarily it is believed that Hines died from smoke inhalation. Her exact cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.