Maria Luisa Puig Prieto, affectionately known as Mary Lou to her dear friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, at the age of 92, in San Antonio, Texas. Born on March 5,1933, in Laredo, Texas to Luis and Dora Flores Puig, Mary Lou's life was characterized by her unwavering faith, loving nature, and a remarkable sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew her.
Mary Lou was a proud graduate of San Agustin High School, and she furthered her education by earning an Associate degree from Stephen's College in Missouri as well as attending Incarnate Word College. She was especially proud of her “Widow of Medicine” degree which was well earned since she journeyed with her husband throughout his medical school training. She dedicated herself to her family and community, embodying the virtues of love and service that were so integral to her character.
She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband of 70 years, Elias M. Prieto, and a loving mother to her six children, Deborah Gonzalez, Elias Prieto Jr. (Becky), Dora Lozano (Carlos), Dannielle Prado (Miguel), and Gaston Prieto (Deanna). She was preceded in death by her son, Eric Prieto, her siblings, Louis F Puig Jr (Alicia) and Emily Prieto (Antonio). Her love and guidance are her lasting gifts to her cherished 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother, Adolph E Puig and her sister-in-law, Aida Puig, and numerous cousins whom she loved dearly.
Mary Lou remained active in various social and community organizations. She was a member of the Ladies 12 Club, The Pan American League, and the Sembradores de Amistad. Her commitment to her faith was evident as she attended daily mass, a practice that nourished her spirit and reinforced her faith-filled outlook on life.
We find comfort in the knowledge that she has been welcomed into eternal peace in the arms of Our Lord. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her family praying the rosary. We are so blessed that her life was a beautiful reflection of her unwavering faith, and her spirit and laughter will forever be cherished by each and every one of us.
A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 pm at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and a Funeral Mass to celebrate Mary Lou's life will be held April 10 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace where family and friends will gather to honor her memory. She will be interred at Holy Cross Cemetery. Please join us afterwards for a reception to be held in the Madonna Room behind Our Lady of Grace Church.
