Mary Acosta Worth

Mary was born to Arthur and Luz Acosta, June 23, 1927, in San Antonio, Texas, briefly relocating with her family to New York City, later to return and graduate from Brackenridge High School. She married Augustine S. Villarreal in March 24, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas. Together they began to raise five children; Gene, Lou, Greta, Gus and Art.

She is survived by her four sons, and also leaves to cherish her memory three nephews, ten nieces, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, her best friend Tina Acevedo, and a number of her children’s friends who gained wisdom and inspiration through Mary’s teachings and conversations.

She was preceded in death by Augustine Villarreal (husband, father of her children) Arthur Acosta, ([father]), Luz Acosta, (mother), Donald Fitzgerald (husband) (Claude Acosta, ( brother), Clint Worth, (Husband), Armando Acosta (brother), Sarah Poston (sister) Ciria Robins (sister) and her daughter Greta. Mary worked as a medical tech for Santa Rosa Hospital, and as a Certified Counselor/Social Worker for Texas A&M University, helping to educate young families in rural towns. She had a strong entrepreneurial streak, and created several small businesses; such as concession stands, and a decorative balloon store. She also took employment in several restaurant management positions, and towards her later years worked several caregiving jobs which she thoroughly enjoyed. Mary dedicated her life to creating a secure and comfortable upbringing for her children, teaching by example, the importance of a strong work ethic. All of her children later attended college, thrived in their professions and excelled in their adult lives.

Her passion was singing. In her youth, Mary performed a series of high profile showcases and radio shows in New York City, slated for stardom, garnering the excitement and professional interest of the city’s top talent scouts, music coaches and big name music icons like Bing Crosby, in an era that produced some the finest American singers such as Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters and Lena Horne.

Mary, a devout Christian was actively involved in her churches, ( St. Henry’s, Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Sorrows, and St. Anthony de Padua), and also demonstrated her Christian devotion through outward generosity and kindness to the homeless, and any person ever in need of help. That same compassion was also extended to the many pets she rescued over the years. Always patriotic and appreciative of our voting rights, she regularly worked the voting polls at election time, and routinely encouraged her children to exercise their right to vote.

An adoring, supportive and dedicated parent of the highest order, she always sacrificed and strived for the betterment of her beloved children. She was a devoted and supportive wife as well. The love for her family and her Christian faith propelled Mary through every challenge and hardship she encountered as a young, widowed mother. Mary was known by everyone as a wellspring of love, joy, warmth, festivity, wisdom, protection and strength with a remarkable zest for life, always exalting her loved ones and always exemplifying happiness and kindness. Mary was the best of a great generation. And she was an extraordinary soul, unique and beautiful from her angelic heart to her radiant smile. Mary has left a legacy of kindness, generosity, and self empowerment to those that were taught by her, and a magical impression on everyone she encountered, even if for a moment. She will be painfully missed. But her influence and spirit will forever resonate in the hearts and actions of all that knew her. Mary will be endlessly cherished and loved.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, February 23rd, 5pm at Sunset Memorial Park, Mass at St.Anthony de Padua Church Monday, February 24th, 11am, Burial at Sunset Memorial Park, Monday February 24th, 1pm. A reception will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. [Name of Officiant] will officiate the ceremony.