Marie Deines

She was born on August 15, 1930, on the Feast of the Assumption. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Gary Deines and four adult step-children, and her brother Manny Vega (Maureen) and eight nephews and nieces. Marie was pre-deceased by her two sisters: Juliet Arras and Victoria Stanford; and her parents, Manuel Vega and Maria de Jesus Vega. Marie will be remembered by her love of family and friends, her gentle spirit, and her unwavering faith in God.

Marie was born in Douglas, Arizona and graduated from Douglas High School where she was a member of the Business Club, Gun & Rifle Club and many student committees. Right after high school graduation she became employed for several years as the bookkeeper, on two different periods of time, for two hometown auto dealerships (Ford Motor Company and American Motors). She then joined the civil service audit team with the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground headquarters, located at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

Continuing her interest in finance she attended accounting classes at Northern Arizona University. She was then employed by American Airlines in Tucson, Arizona and became the manager of the bookkeeping group in the Accounting Dept. At American Airlines Marie met and fell in love with her first husband John Stagnitti. Over the years they followed several assignments with American Airlines, including Nashville, TN and finally settled in El Paso, TX where they became very active at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. After 20 years of marriage, John passed away at an early age from a heart attack while he was jogging at twilight.

Marie then changed courses and moved to Arlington, Texas to be closer to her brother and sister and their families. Marie soon became employed at Bishop Dunn Catholic High School in Dallas as part of the office staff in the student Counseling Department, from where she retired. After retirement Marie joined her brother's start-up company as his office manager and bookkeeper for several years. Marie's nature again, as she would have it, she volunteered with several jobs at the newly built St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arlington, which Father Jim Miller was the first pastor. It was here at St. Josephs Church that Marie met Gary Deines at a prayer group

In 1999, Marie met Gary Deines in a prayer group at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Their courtship was a joyful whirlwind, and they were married on January 6, 2001. Together they made their home in Arlington, Texas, and shared 24 wonderful years of marriage.

Marie and Gary shared a love of travel and adventure. Together they embarked on 35 Holland America cruises spanning destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctic, and Europe. They also participated in three church-sponsored land trips, including visits to the Holy Land. Their travels included two two-week stays at Disney World, a trip to Disneyland, several days at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, and a three-week driving trip through North and South Carolina. Their travels were paused only by the pandemic.

A talented and creative woman, Marie enjoyed ceramics and won blue and other ribbons at the State Fair of Texas. She also loved embroidery and needlepoint.

On January 26, 2026, she passed peacefully, having received the Last Rites of the Church. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace with her Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Marie will be remembered as a generous, caring, and faithful woman. She gave freely of her time in service to her church and community, especially at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she volunteered at many functions and ministries.

In her later years, Marie developed dementia and eventually entered a memory care facility when professional care became necessary.

From her loving husband, Gary Deines: A thank you to AlēvCare Hospice for their compassionate care, for making Marie’s final days comfortable and a special thank you as well to the Morada Memory Care staff.

Marie’s life was one of faith, service, devotion, and love — a legacy that will endure in all who knew her.