Mary Martin Handley

She was born to Claude Martin and Ophelia Hill on February 10, 1916, in San Antonio and grew up in the Prospect Hill neighborhood of San Antonio. Mary attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, and graduated in 1933 from Brackenridge High School where she was a member of the Purple Jackets.

Upon her graduation she married and was a military wife, living in Japan, Kentucky, Texas, and Germany.

Mary worked at St. Ann's Credit Union, before transferring to USAA Credit Union, from which she retired. She enjoyed her monthly luncheons and her high school friends, the "Birthday Group," as well as her Canasta Club. In 1990, she was honored as the first non-religious at Holy Rosary Catholic Church to receive the Marianist Heritage Award.

Mary was a member of the Marianist Affiliates at St. Mary's University. Her greatest accomplishment; however, was her role as a dedicated Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. No matter where we traveled as an Army family, she quickly turned our quarters into our home. We often marveled at her stamina, always willing to help any of us out whenever we ask for her assistance. Mimi never turned down a request. She was thrilled to learn of any of her family's accomplishments, especially those of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She set an excellent example of doing for others. She truly was the "wind beneath our wings"!

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her son, William Martin Marty Handley, Louisville, KY. She is survived by her daughters, Darlene Handley Costello and Lynne Handley Smogur, both of San Antonio; daughter-in-law Judith Schreiber Handley of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Debbie and George Gaytan, Danny and Alina Costello, David and Chandra Handley, Susan Costello, Jennifer and Mark McLiney, Becky and Michael Fancher of San Antonio, Michael and Barbara Handley, Paige and Trevor Warren of Louisville, KY, John Handley of Greer, SC, Chris and Angela Smogur of Austin, TX, and Anne and Dave Saldivar of San Francisco, CA. Also surviving "Mimi" are her much beloved great-grandchildren, Bryanna, Brandon and Tarah Handley, Ryan, John, Ana and Rose Costello, Audrey Gaytan, Kaela and Kelsey Lipo, Jack, Mary Campbell and Josephine McLiney, as well as Henry and Olivia Smogur. In addition, Mary leaves behind a host of cousins that she considered more as siblings, as she was an only child. Also left behind are a large number of friends from high school, her children's school days, various credit union associates, as well as those from St. Ann, Holy Rosary, and St. Matthew Catholic Churches.

The family would like to acknowledge the loving, continuous care given by Mimi's daughter, Darlene, and her granddaughter, Susan. Mother was well attended by Dr. Chris Arnold, who always treated her with the utmost respect and dignity. For that we are so grateful. To the nurses from Vitas, especially Ron and Charlene, we are indebted for your caring and kindness shown to our Mother.

Contributions may be made in Mary's memory to the Central Catholic High School Scholarship Fund at 1403 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78215.