Mary was known for her generous and warm personality, always willing to join in the fun. She was an excellent homemaker and cook who made everyone feel comfortable in her home. She never met a stranger. After she was diagnosed with cancer, she graduated from the Cordon Bleu school of cooking in London, UK furthering her already superb culinary skills. She lived well despite her disease; never looking for sympathy or making excuses.
Mary and Greg lived and traveled the world as part of his job at Chevron. Stops along the journey included San Francisco, New Orleans, Houston, Thailand, and London. She and Greg and the children maximized the experience of living abroad, visiting over 80 countries. Wherever they were, Mary always provided a gracious and loving environment for her family, and when her children were asked where home was they often remarked “wherever mom is cooking Sunday dinner”.
Mary was committed to her family. She was also an educator, teaching third grade at Oak Forest Elementary in Houston where she made many lifelong friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her mother Helen Schwehr and her father, Fred Matthews. Survivors include her husband Greg (Houston); daughter Annie (Manila, Philippines); son Michael (Sofia) of Washington, DC; son Pat (Butte); and daughter Katie (Houston). Other survivors include sisters Peggy (Ray) Hackley and Kay Crull; father-in-law Bert Markovich (Butte); and numerous brothers and sisters in law, nephews, and nieces.
A visitation will be held at Darst Funeral Home, in Kingwood, on July 27th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be held in Houston on July 28th at 10:00am and burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte at a later date. Donations in Mary’s name may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Rest in peace Mary, we all love you so much.
