Mary Rostrom

First and foremost a teacher, coach, and friend, Mary Rostrom, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2013. She was born February 1, 1934, in Houston, TX, to Joseph (Joe) C. and Marie (Seydler) Rostrom. A 1952 graduate of Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in Houston, and a January, 1957 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree, Mary was a life-long learner who encouraged others to be life-long learners as well.

After graduation from U.T., Mary started her professional life working for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department by organizing activities for all Austin Parks. She went on to join the staff of the Texas State School for the Blind and Visually Impaired where she enjoyed teaching physical education and blind and partially blind students to swim and respect the water. An educator and a coach of sports and life, she then went on to teach in Taylor I.S.D. where she earned the trust and support of staff, parents and students. Many life-long friends were made in this great community.

After injuring her back and tailbone, doctors suggested she find another profession. She joined Jerry Sadler, Land Commissioner, as his administrative assistant. Even though she didn't like politics, she enjoyed her work there because she was able to work with her dad and assist him in his work as "landman" for Humble Oil. After a few years, she just had to get back to education and coaching.

She joined Del Valle I.S.D. in the latter part of the 1960s, working first at the elementary level where she "tip-toed" many a young man by the waistband or belt loops across the field or playground for misbehaving or fooling around. Later, she moved to the high school level where she continued her relationship with students, teachers and parents. Mary was respected by all and loved by many.

One of her greatest joys was having students from all walks of life ask her, "Do you remember teaching me how to…", "…showing me how to…", or "taking me to…". These memories were made from her gift at teaching students lessons about life, not just lessons from a textbook. Her young men were especially grateful.

Mary was also proud of what "my girls" accomplished and the wonderful young ladies they became - not just her athletes, but all of her students. She said that one of the hardest things she had ever done was leaving her students at Del Valle where she taught and coached P.E., volleyball, basketball, boys and girls golf, and track.

After leaving Del Valley, she taught and coached at Round Rock High School from 1980-1984. At Canyon Vista Middle School, she taught Life Sciences from 1985-1990 at which point, she retired from teaching in the public schools, but never retired from teaching and coaching life.

She was a strong supporter of University of Texas academics and athletics, always believing in and supporting the Lady Longhorns. Hook 'em!

Mary was a faithful believer in God and the Holy Spirit, a member and supporter of the Metropolitan Community Church of Austin. Mary's loyalty, patience, limitless love, genuine acceptance of all people, and overwhelming generosity were felt by all who came in contact with her, but most of all by her life partner of 39 years, Donna Holman. Her larger than life personality and presence will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her.

A memorial service for Mary is planned for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Metropolitan Community Church at Freedom Oaks, 8601 South 1st Street, Austin, TX, 78748. A tribute to Mary can be found at www.wcfish.com where visitors may sign the guest book.

Mary requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the building fund for MCC at Freedom Oaks or another organization of your choosing.