Mary Lou was a devout Catholic who deeply loved her faith, her family, cats, and music. She grew up in El Paso, Texas, graduated from Austin High School, and had a master’s in music education from The University of Texas at El Paso.
Her love of music and learning began as a young child and she worked hard to become an accomplished musician. She played the piano, accordion, as well as other musical instruments, and shared her passion of music by teaching piano and accordion lessons for many years. She also taught vocal music in the El Paso Public Schools and at Loretto Academy for over 30 years.
Throughout her life, she dedicated her talents to the music ministry programs at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, and other Catholic churches where she served as pianist, organist, choir member, and choir director.
For over 40 years, she was a member and published music arranger for the El Paso Sungold Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. She traveled extensively with her chorus for teaching workshops, performances, and regional and international competitions.
Her faith and love of life and learning was exhibited in her involvement in several community organizations. In 2007, she became a Co-Member of the Sisters of Loretto where she coordinated various social events and traveled with the group to conferences. She also supported efforts of the Pilot Club of El Paso, Loretto Academy, Annunciation House, and St Charles Seminary. She was an avid reader, learned to play bridge in her 80s, playing several times a week, and attended Silver Sneakers classes on a regular basis.
She loved all of us "no matter what" and we will miss her love, guidance, and beautiful soul deeply.
"A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best." Author unknown
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Susan Haisley; her daughter Sandy Gomez-Leon (Bonnie Kulvinskas); and her son Robert Gomez-Leon III; her brother Edward Tinoco (Pat Tinoco); her granddaughter Mandy Contreras, her grandson Chris Heifner (Melissa Heifner), her granddaughter Lisa Heifner-Solots (Dave), her great granddaughter Gabby Olivas, her great grandson Matthew Heifner, her great granddaughter Hannah Heifner, her great granddaughter Amanda Heifner, her great grandson Max Solots, her great granddaughter Audrey Grace Solots and her great great granddaughter Rosemary Heifner. Life-long family friends: Sister Buffy Boesen, Armando Flores and Esther Ramos
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Robert Gomez-Leon Jr.; her daughter Mary Heifner; her mother Laurencia Aizpuru and her father Ignacio Tinoco; her brother Ignacio Tinoco.
Visitation for Mary Lou will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Vigil sercice at 6:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral mass will be on Friday, April 1, 2022 at 11:30 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 3729 Hueco Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79903. Committal service to follow at 1:00 PM at Ft Bliss National Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Loretto Academy, 1300 Hardaway, El Paso, Texas 79903, or St Charles Seminary, 8330 Park Haven Dr., El Paso Texas 79903.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Gomez-Leon family.
