Mary Louise Ximenes

Born on November 20,1927 in San Antonio, Texas, to Salvador and Estella Ortiz Maldonado. Mary Louise was the firstborn daughter, followed by her beloved brother, Orlando, and her cherished sister, Sonia.

During her lifetime she was devoted to her faith in the Holy Catholic Church. She had a passion for volunteerism that began as a teenager during World War II, writing letters of support to American G.I.s on the battlefront; and with the American Red Cross during the Vietnam War as a Spanish speaking translator for wounded soldiers, and as a believer in community service with the Pan-American Optimist Club and other organizations.

She took pride in her Hispanic roots at an early age dancing Folklorico with her brother at the Arneson River Theater on the Riverwalk and as a Fiesta Princess. She showed her devotion to family by always being available to her aunts and uncles, and helped her mother run a small Mexican food cafe in downtown San Antonio.

Mary Louise received a parochial education, after which she began work as a dental assistant in downtown San Antonio. It was there she met the love of her life, Waldo E. Ximenes of Floresville, TX. They were married on May 13th, 1951, until his death in 2005. Within that 54-year marriage they raised five children: Samuel, Daniel, David, Cynthia and Andrew, all the while traveling the world as a proud military family in the U.S. Air Force, with assignments in Germany, Spain, California, and the Philippines.

Mary Louise dedicated her life to helping others, a value instilled in her by her parents, establishing a belief in the importance of education, and a commitment to giving to those in need. While stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, during the Vietnam War, Mary Louise began her volunteerism with the American Red Cross demonstrating her service to country, exemplifying her leadership, and unwavering dedication, resulting in a meritorious award by the Fifteenth Air Force Staff Judge Advocates Team. They stated, “…her invincible will and indomitable spirit in a manner befitting a dedicated Air Force wife, benefiting the Judge’s office and the community.” As the wife of an Air Force JAG officer, Mary Louise Ximenes was a true veteran in service of our nation’s conflicts.

She continued to demonstrate this spirit with numerous organizations throughout her life, including: The American Red Cross, C.A.S.A (Court Appointed Special Advocates), St. PJs Children’s Home, Meals on Wheels, San Antonio Optimist Club, and a founding member of PALS (Pan American League), and the 24K Club, 12 couples who meet monthly for luncheons and fellowship. Her volunteer work reflected her enduring faith and the spiritual values at her core. After retiring, she continued her dedication to the church through the Altar Society of St. Rose of Lima, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church where she performed ministry for the church.

Mary Louise also had a deep love for music and dance. While overseas, she joined the Skylarks singing group at Clark Air Base, sharing joy and camaraderie through song with fellow military families.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Waldo E. Ximenes; her sons Daniel Joseph Ximenes and David Louis Ximenes; and her brother Orlando T. Maldonado.

She is survived by her children:

• Samuel Waldo Ximenes [Sonia Rivera]

• Cynthia Louise Ximenes-Stewart [John Stewart]

• Andrew Victor Ximenes [Jane Petrov]

Grandchildren include: Jessica Ximenes, Andrea Ximenes, Lauren Stewart, Gabrielle Ximenes, Estefan Ximenes, and Daniel Ximenes Jr., and great-grandchildren: Stella, Ben, Harper, and Nova. She is remembered by Angel Ximenes [Daniel Ximenes]and Zulima Roman [Estefan Ximenes]. She is also survived by her sister, Sonia Maldonado and nieces, Felicia Saenz and Debbie Maldonado and their families. In memory of her second love, her dog Chula.

Mary Louise Ximenes lived a life of love, faith, and service. Her legacy of love and generosity continues to shine through the many lives she touched.

Her family would like to acknowledge Suncrest Hospice, Austin TX, for their compassion and dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. PJs Children’s Home; The American Red Cross; or San Antonio Altar Society.

A Rosary will take place on June 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., with a Mass following at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Rd, SATX 78216.

She will be interred at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery alongside her husband.