Born May 8, 1951 in Houston, Texas, Mary graduated from Milby High School. She worked for The Houston Chronicle for several years and then Compaq Computers/Hewlett Packard for more than 20 years.
Mary relocated to Austin in 2006 with eager anticipation of the arrival of her twin grandchildren. She worked part time at First United Methodist Church of Austin and later for Goodwill Industries. She enjoyed her coworkers very much and in recent months especially appreciated the care, concern, and support of her work friends as she faced health challenges.
Mary loved animals, traveling, playing games, and was a whiz with computers. Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She loved watching their baseball games and dance recitals and would cheer them on endlessly.
She is survived by her adoring son Kevin Byrd, his wife, Ann Byrd, and her grandchildren Lauren Byrd and Hudson Byrd, all of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her sister Catherine Huddleston and her husband, Billy Huddleston, of Nacogdoches, Texas, her brother John Cannaliato of Houston, Texas, her step mother Margie Cannaliato, of Houston, Texas, step brothers Leonard Self, Jr. and Gary Self, both of Houston, Texas, and half-sister Linda Darlene Smith of Victoria, Texas, along with numerous extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her father, Johnnie Cannaliato, of Houston, Texas, her mother, Betty Jean Self of Nacogdoches, Texas, her step-father Leonard Self, Sr. of Nacogdoches, Texas, and her sister, Betty Jo Richards of Porter, Texas.
The family would like to thank her doctors, nurses, and the medical staff at Seton Medical Center Austin for their excellent care over the last several years.
If desired, memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church of Austin, 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, Texas, 78701. Mary especially enjoyed working with and volunteering for the many children’s programs within the church.
Weed-Corley-Fish, Austin, has been entrusted with arrangements. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church of Austin, 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, Texas 78701. All are welcome to share in the celebration of Mary’s life.
