Mary Kathryn Rubin

Our wonderful, precious mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt and teacher, Mary Kathryn Schwartzman, 81, of Mesa Arizona passed away on August 2, 2024, in San Antonio Texas at The Village at Incarnate Word.

Mary was born in St. Louis Missouri to Marian Cobb Schwartzmann and John Schwartzmann on July 4, 1943. She married Howard Rubin on October 17, 1964, in Tucson, Arizona.

Mary graduated with a BA in Education from Arizona State University in Elementary Education in 1964. She earned her M.Ed. of from Arizona State University in 1971 and her PhD from The University of Oklahoma in 1991.

Mary’s journey to becoming a professor at Cameron University in the Department of Education began with her love of reading. She took that love all the way to earning a PhD in Reading. Her career spanned teaching elementary school to teaching Education to college students.

Upon retirement, Howard and Mary fulfilled their dream (and well thought out plan!) to live in Mesa in Mary’s parents' condominium in Leisureworld Retirement Community. Mary never really retired. She became a professional volunteer at the Leisureworld library, Church of the Master’s CAN food pantry and various positions at The Daughters of the American Revolution where she served with her niece Erica. Mary knew how to get things done and had no problem being in charge.

Mary’s generosity was shown in the many organizations to which she was a donor. Some of those organizations were the University of Arizona, Cameron University, East Valley Community College Mesa AZ, DAR, her political party, and many others over the years.

Mary moved to San Antonio TX to be closer to her son Jason and his wife Becky who were able to guide her in decisions, laugh, read and of course, share her love of sweets!

Mary is preceded in death by her sister Virginia Schwartzmann Payne, son Aaron Rubin, and her beloved husband Howard Rubin.

Mary is survived by her son, Jason Rubin, and wife Becky; siblings Jim Schwartzmann and wife Diane, Martha Schwartzmann, Chuck, and wife Paula Schwartzmann; her grandchildren: Lauren Linahan and husband TJ and her great grandchildren Audrey and Everett, Tess Hermes, Willa Rubin, Adam Rubin, and wife Kat; and her niece Erica Schwartzmann Hodges.

The family would like to thank our wonderful community at The Village at Incarnate Word. Over the last two years, the loving caregivers have become like family. The director created a work area for her including a desk, typewriter, and office supplies as a tribute to Mary and her years as a teacher. Many, many times a caregiver would say “she’s my favorite”. Mary’s face would light up and she would welcome them with open arms. She would quite often say “I am so happy to see you!” Many precious memories of this time will forever endure in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held in Mesa AZ at Mariposa Gardens at 11 am on Wednesday, November 27th.

Memorials can be given to Cameron University in Lawton Oklahoma.

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