Mary Alice Fuller

Mary Alice was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 26, 1935. Her parents, Calvin and Nadine Surtees, and her brother, Cal Jr. all preceded her in death.

Mary Alice attended Jefferson High School (1953 graduate) where she was well loved by all of her classmates and was voted Best All Around. She was Captain of the Lassos Drill Team and marched at many football games and parades.

Mary Alice married her high school sweetheart, Harold H. Kunz, Jr.(Bubba), in 1954. They welcomed 3 beautiful daughters into their family. Judith Lynn Kunz Cooney(husband Mike), Diana Kay Kunz Koebel Orona Ward (deceased), and Patricia Louise Kunz Sylvester. She was a very busy young mother and wife having her 3 girls by age 22! She selflessly and tirelessly devoted herself to our dad and her “girls”. She spent many hours volunteering at our schools (St. Luke’s and Ursuline Academy) much less driving us all over creation to our many after school activities! Doing all this besides having a beautifully decorated and spotless house, clean laundry for 3 girls who sometimes changed clothes 2-3 times a day and nutritious hot meals every breakfast and dinner plus a delicious carefully selected sack lunch! We do not know how she did it all!!

Mom continued expanding her cooking, decorating and artistic skills by taking many classes in these areas. She was so naturally talented at everything she ever attempted! She was a member and loved participating in the Empress Candle Garden Club. Mom had such a green thumb and loved working in her yard, making it look spectacular for all to enjoy!

For our mom’s second half of her life, she found a new life partner, William Paul Fuller, Jr. (Paul). The two of them traveled all over the world and enjoyed many adventures together! Sadly, Paul preceded our mom in death.

Our mom was so proud of her girls, but her 2nd greatest joy (honestly maybe her first) was being Meme to her grandchildren: Alison Cooney Judkins (husband Jeff), Pamela Cooney Carr, Meredith Sylvester Birdy (husband Russell), Jennifer Cooney, Blake Sylvester and Calvin Sylvester. She spoiled each of them because she loved them so! She loved to broaden her grandchildren‘s horizons by taking them on many interesting trips. Whether in the camper and the old Suburban road trips or plane trips, each trip was finely executed and planned down to the moment with each grandchild’s age and interests in mind. Trips were taken to Europe, New York City, Las Vegas, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, Danube River Cruise, Colorado, all over New Mexico, and many Texas State Parks!!

Meme also selflessly shared her Ruidoso 2nd home with her family and many friends! She and Paul loved to entertain everyone, and she was the hostess with the mostest accomplishing it with effortless flair whether in San Antonio or Ruidoso. Her love for all things Ruidoso became her passion. Horse

racing, hiking, bird watching, and collecting area artist’s works specializing in chainsaw crafted wooden bears, ceramic painted horses, bronze figurines, and framed prints. Her Ruidoso home was fabulously decorated with her acquired treasures!

Mom and Paul also purchased a house on Lake LBJ in Kingsland Texas. Mom loved to entertain her family and friends at the lake. Many happy hours were spent in their boat pulling skiers or tubers. All of us enjoyed both!! They also purchased two jet skis that everyone enjoyed, not to mention the fishing and just the family being together! Many card and board games were enjoyed with Meme and Paul!! July 4th holidays were especially memorable at the lake. As always, Meme created priceless memories that will last forever!!

Holidays, including both Christmas and Easter were especially memorable at Meme‘s house! Christmas included hand selected gifts for each person, including an original handwritten poem from Meme about the gift you were to receive. Special Christmas carols were sung by all from provided song sheets, including the best of all, the 12 Days of Christmas on large cards being sung and acted out!! It was so comical! And of course, an elegant Christmas dinner served on her Spode Christmas Tree China.

Easter included an Easter Egg hunt with eggs stuffed by Meme, an egg toss, many other games and a picnic style lunch!! Easter plays were often created by Meme and enacted by the grandchildren.

Every holiday provided by Meme was filled with priceless memories that we will never forget!!

Meme and Paul made sure to take the time to attend each grandchild’s sporting or their other important life events. They attended many a softball, volleyball, football, and baseball games, dance recitals, graduations, bridal/baby showers, weddings, even goat shows!! Each time being so proud of that grandchild’s accomplishments!!

Meme and Paul, then Mom alone after Paul passed, continued this same tradition of being present at important events even for the next generation of great grandchildren! They are Jordan Judkins, Mason Judkins, Austin Judkins, Blackley Birdy, and Owen Birdy.

Our mother was a most generous soul that never uttered a cruel word about anyone! That was one of her most endearing qualities. Mom was the epitome of a Southern Lady in every way including grace, style and charm. She will be forever remembered by all who met her. May we all endeavor to follow her high standards.

The family would like to thank the Cardinal Hospice group, especially Pilar, her loving caregiver. Your love and devotion to our mother was exceptional. We are so appreciative of all of you.

Donations in Mary Alice’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or any other charity of your choice.

Our mother loved colorful clothing, jewelry and decor. With that in mind, we request that all funeral guests wear colorful clothing not black to her service if attending.

Mom/Meme, the bell has finally rung, and you have received your angel wings! Fly high and enjoy your well-deserved heavenly reward.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 4, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A committal will occur Friday, April 4, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.