Mary Alice Graf

Mary Alice Graf, 72, of Austin passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. She was born December 1, 1945 in Houston, Texas to Estelle and Otis Graf. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Charles Graf. She is survived by two sisters, Daesene Willmann of Austin and Dianne Berman and husband, Arthur, of Port Aransas, and sister-in-law Beverly Graf Visconti of Austin. Mary leaves behind two brothers: Kermit Graf and wife, Sandra, of Austin, and Otis Graf Jr. and wife, Jane, of Katy, Texas. Mary was affectionately called “Aunt Mary” by ten loving nieces and nephews, which include Mary (husband Julian), Carl Willmann (wife Chris), Angie Graf, Marcus Graf (Lyra), Christopher Graf (Robyn), Phil Graf (Sharon), Amy Graf Brown (Craig), Ryan Graf (Erin), Stephen Graf (Jennifer) and Lily Graf Doran (Billy). She lovingly celebrated the birth and birthdays of each of her eighteen grandnieces and grandnephews.

Mary grew up in the Houston area where she attended Spring Branch High School. In high school, Mary was active in choir and numerous church activities at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Mary attended Texas Lutheran University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She was praised by a former education instructor there as being the "best student teacher” the instructor had ever seen. After college graduation, Mary spent two years in New Guinea as a teacher in a Lutheran Ministry Project. After returning to the States, Mary completed a Master of Education in California, where she also was a school teacher. She returned to Texas in the ‘90s and worked in various office jobs for the Seton Hospital System and the State of Texas.

One of Mary's greatest joys in life was spending time with family and friends. The family felt her unconditional love as she lovingly remembered each member’s birthday with cards and often a phone call. She also was a devoted pet lover, helping as many homeless pets as she could. In her later years, reading became an important pastime. But above all things, Mary loved the Lord. Her daily devotions were a very important part of her day. She attended Hillcrest Church when she was able.

Mary was loved by all of those who knew her. Her funeral service will be Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, 9700 Anderson Mill Road Austin, TX 78750. Burial will be at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, TX.