Mary Ellen Lawless

Mary was born on February 14, 1926 in Irving, TX, to Fannie and Clarence Gallini. Her parents were both from out of state, but met because both families moved to Irving to farm where they ended up being neighbors.

Mary was blessed with a large and loving family. As the middle child of five, Mary's earliest ambitions were to be a nurse and to learn to play the piano. Her father drove a truck carrying fruits and vegetables and was away on trips quite often. Her family lovingly called her “Station M-A-R-Y” because while he was away, Mary would gather all of the home life stories and would relay them to her father recounting every detail when he arrived home. She fondly remembered her Italian grandfather, “Papa,” calling her “Ella Cinders” because of her freckles, would tell stories about how he loved opera and how he would whistle while preparing cheese and raviolis for dinner.

Mary had a generous and giving heart and devoted her life to sharing her love with others. She was outwardly affectionate and always radiated joy, love and encouragement to those around her. Her greatest asset was her faith in Jesus Christ. When her daughter, Linda Kay, died at the age of 2 she promised the Lord that she would dedicate her life to caring for and educating children. That is why she devoted her career to opening learning centers for children. She not only took excellent care and loved each child that was in her care, she also ministered to the families through difficult events.

Mary was very proud of all her family. Her four proudest moments were when she was told her second child, Linda Kay, was a girl; when she was told her third child, Becky, was absolutely perfect at birth; when she first knew she was going to be a great-grandmother; and when her oldest child, Spike, received his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

She married Kenneth Clyde Lawless on March 8, 1945 and they were together for 34 years. They had three children, Spike, Linda Kay and Becky. The Lawless/McCollum family knew her as “Mamu” and the Rogers family called her “Mimi.” She was beloved by all who knew her.

Mary cared for children professionally for over 40 years. She received her GED from Mesquite High School and later studied business and early childhood education earning her Child Care Director Certificate from Brookhaven College. She was the Owner and Director of Pied Piper Learning Center in Lancaster, TX, the Montessori School of Cambridge Square of Dallas, TX, The Americare Learning Center in Dallas, TX and Woodbridge Private School in Dallas, TX.

Her favorite thing to do was prepare big family meals of spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and ravioli usually accompanied by her rendition of the song “O Sole Mio.” She enjoyed making ceramics, reading and traveling. Her favorite color was blue and her favorite place to visit was the Rocky Mountains where she especially enjoyed the beautiful Aspen trees and snow-covered peaks.

Mary loved to listen to Big Band music and would tell stories about dancing with servicemen to that music during WWII. She would jitterbug with her grandchildren on special occasions and her favorite movie was “Gone with the Wind.” During WWII, Mary worked at LTV in Grand Prairie, TX, helping build military aircrafts.

As a young girl, Mary made her profession of faith while attending a church revival with a friend. Her favorite Bible verse was Ephesians 2:8-9. Her favorite hymns included “In the Garden,” “Green Green Grass of Home” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” She was a lifelong Southern Baptist, a charter member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX, and a member of Audelia Road Baptist Church in Dallas, TX.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Fannie and Clarence; brother, Louis Dontie Gallini; sister, Mamie Lorayne Richburg; ex-husband, Kenneth Clyde Lawless; daughter, Linda Kay Lawless; and nephew, Leo Jordan Cook.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth "Spike" Lawless (Charlotte) of Hulbert, OK; daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Rogers (John) of Celina, TX; grandchildren, Tiffany McCollum (Scot) of Celina, TX, Kenneth “Lance” Lawless (Brandy) of Arlington TX, Jonathan Rogers (Melissa) of Celina, TX, and Meredith Rogers of Plano, TX; great-grandchildren, Connor McCollum of Celina, TX and Preston McCollum of Celina, TX; siblings, Dorothy Gallini of Garland, TX, Charles "Chuck" Gallini (Beth) from Albion, MI; brother-in-law, Robert G. Lawless (Mildred) of Red Oak, TX; nieces, Cindy Cook (Cecil) of Kilgore, TX, Lisa Goettle (Paul) of Longview, TX, Debra Watkins (B.J.) of Allen, TX; nephews, Robert N. Lawless (Donna) of Red Oak, TX, Jeff Gallini (Stephanie) of Tempe, AZ, Rob Gallini (Connie) of Albion, MI; and many beloved extended family, neighbors and friends.

Mary’s graveside service was held for immediate family at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Irving, TX, on April 14, 2020 with Dr. David Allen officiating. The family will hold a celebration of life in honor of Mary at a later date. Mary is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator.

The family would like to thank Meals on Wheels of Texas, Evergreen of Arbor Hills and Baylor Scott and White of McKinney for the love and care they showed to Mary.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Mary’s name can be made to Samaritan’s Purse.