Born in Dallas, Texas to Gustavo and Otila Velasco on November 9, 1950, Mary spent most of her childhood in Shreveport, Louisiana surrounded by her two brothers Daniel Robert and Carlos Raphael and her sister Angelica.
Mary, also fondly known as “Murry” and “Aunt Mur” was a trailblazer and artist. She graduated high school from St. Vincent’s in Shreveport, but her passion for art led her back to Dallas, where she graduated from the University of Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, then to Washington University in St. Louis with a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree on a full scholarship.
She was a dynamic printmaker and designer and knew her way around a printing press, which resulted in printers far and wide looking forward to working with her.
She was also a fun-loving, doting aunt to her niece and nephew, Charlotte and Ian who fondly nicknamed her “Aunt Mur”. And we can’t forget how devoted she was to her many spoiled cats.
Murry lived in Webster Groves, MO and worked for both Concordia Publishing House in the 70s then later in the late 80s, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) where she was the creative services supervisor for the marketing & communications department for 28+ years before retiring!
She was born and raised Catholic, loved God and loved going to church. Each Sunday after mass she would go to brunch with her best friends and have spirted discussions about God. Afterwards, she would visit art museums and galleries and attend fashion and art shows. On Tuesdays she started “Tuesdays with Jesus” where she would go to Adoration and pray the rosary.
Her faith gave her strength and certainty that when her time came, she would be reunited with her father Gustavo (Gus), her brothers Daniel and Carlos, and many other loved ones.
Murry is lovingly remembered by her mother, Otila Velasco; her sister, Angelica Traas (Michael); nephew, Ian Traas (Jen Boyles); niece, Charlotte Traas-Jarvela (Jacob), great nephews, Oliver, Weston and Peter; great niece, Daphne; her dear cousins, with whom she traveled and had many fun adventures. She is also remembered by her life-long friends Bob Eigenrausch, Fran Daniel, Rosemary Sturm, Dan O’Brien, John & Susie McGuire and her best friend Sandy Morris. Lastly, she remains in the thoughts and prayers of her St. John’s church family, along with many close coworkers and friends.
Murry’s larger than life presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society of Missouri.
Murry’s life will be celebrated on March 18, 2023 at 2 pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park in Shreveport, Louisiana.
