Mary Lou Deanda

January 31, 1935 - April 16, 2025

Mary Lou Deanda passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, in Austin, Texas. She was born in Austin and raised in San Angelo and Fort Stockton by her mother and stepfather. Although an only child, Mary Lou never felt alone—she considered her many cousins to be her brothers and sisters.

Mary Lou met the love of her life, Frank, while he was stationed in San Angelo during his military service. The two married and began a journey that would take them and their five children across the United States, moving from base to base with each new assignment. During Frank's overseas deployments during the Vietnam War, Mary Lou returned to Austin, where she leaned on the support of her beloved aunt and extended family. With the help of her cousins, she served as both mother and father to her children.

Mary Lou had many roles throughout her life—housewife, babysitter, waitress, and school monitor—but it was her fierce spirit and generous heart that truly defined her. She was known for being feisty, sassy, and unapologetically outspoken. Her advice—always honest, sometimes blunt—was treasured by all who knew her. A deeply religious woman, she lived by her faith, believing in fairness, compassion, and the power of community.

Raised in the restaurant business by her parents, Mary Lou was a phenomenal cook who shared her culinary talents with her daughters, daughters-in-law, and countless friends. She had a passion for music and dancing and was often found twirling around the house with her granddaughters during family gatherings and holidays. Her warmth and open-minded spirit made everyone around her feel special.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Josefina Urias Villareal and Cristobal Villareal, grandson Joe Richard Dominguez, Jr., and many beloved aunts and cousins. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Frank and their five children: Ricky (Robin), Terry (Mike), Frank Jr. (CeCe), Gracie (Ron), and Barbie (Freddie), along with 17 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cook- Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 1520 N. Railroad Avenue, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. Services will conclude with burial at Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery.