Mrs. Mary R. Escalante, age 58, of Austin died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 in an Austin hospital. She was born January 23, 1949 in Austin to the late Frank P. and Mary Rivera. Her father Frank worked for over 30 years at Hyltin-Manor Funeral Home in Austin as well as her husband. Mary retired from AISD after more than 23 years of faithful service. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Sarah Louise Escalante. Survivors include her loving husband of 45 years, Jesse Escalante, Sr. of Austin; children, Jesse Escalante, Jr. of Austin, Frankie Anthony Escalante of Austin, Monica Ann Gault of Bastrop and Nicholas Jay Escalante of Austin; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Frankie S. Rivera of Austin, Richard A. Rivera of California; sister, Martha R. Galaviz; and numerous nieces and nephews. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 7:00 pm Thursday, January 17, 2008 at the Chapel of Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, January 18, 2008 at St. Julia Catholic Church with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Richard Escalante, Alex Gault, Nicholas Escalante, B.J. Flores, Robert Garza and Gilbert Soto.
