Mary Jane Willard

Early Saturday morning Sept. 22nd Mary Jane Willard, loving wife, and mother, lost her courageous battle with breast cancer. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on November 12,1955. Mary Jane is survived by her husband Ronn and son Timothy. She is also survived by her sisters Mylra Albores and Dyan Regal and husband Joe from San Antonio, and brothers Willie Albores and his wife Margo from League City, Chuck Albores and his wife Terry from The Woodlands. Mary Jane is preceded in death by her parents Milton and Dorothy Albores and brother Raymond Albores. Mary Jane is also survived by nephews Ryan, Mark and Chris Albores. Nieces Amber and Ashley Albores, Amy Rincon and Jennifer Dague.

Mary Jane is a graduate from University of Texas in Austin. She was an account executive at National Mail Advertising in Houston for several years. She also worked at Southwest Books. Mary Jane lived a full rewarding life before and during her battle with cancer. Prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer she fought many health battles the least of which was a major car accident and kidney failure. On June 3, 1980 Mary Jane underwent a kidney transplant via donation from her older brother Willie. Despite facing many health issues Mary Jane always had a zest for life and greeted it with a smile on her face.

To help cope with the physical strains of cancer Mary Jane belonged to Pink Phurree. Pink Phurree Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team is Texas' first and only all breast cancer survivor dragon boat team which formed in 2007. Dragon boating allows the breast cancer survivor to safely exercise without fear of negative side effects. Pink Phurree has competed in races in houston and as far away as Windsor, Canada. Mary Jane joined the team in 2009 and has been an

integral part of this sisterhood ever since. Mary Jane strongly encouraged the team to participate in the Inaugural Montana Dragon Boat Race in September 2012. Despite knowing that her cancer had returned for the fifth time, Mary Jane paddled in 2 of 3 races and was interviewed by one of the local TV stations. Mary Jane wanted her fellow team members to "look good", so she worked tirelessly to ensure that we had our beautiful uniforms. Although, she would not consider herself the team stylist, it was only through her efforts, that we looked as good as we did. Additionally, Mary Jane worked tirelessly to promote Pink Phurree and it's mission. Mary Jane epitomizes Pink Phurree's mission, which is to enable the breast cancer susrvivor to reclaim her life mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Those wishing to make a donation on behalf of Mary Jane can give to the charities that were important to her:

1. See website www.pinkphurree.org Pink Phurree is a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team in Houston, Texas.

2. The VITAS Hospice.

3. The Rose Breast Cancer support group.

or to the Pink Ribbion Project

2449 South Blvd. Ste. 100

Houston, TX 77098

p. 713.524.PINK (7465)

f. 713.524.7565

www.pinkribbons.org