Mary Cruz Santos

Mary was born December 22, 1925 in Austin Texas and was a lifetime resident of Austin.

While raising her family she worked full time at the Texas State Teachers Association, retiring after 35 years. As a teenager she left Austin High School to help support her family. As education was very important, at age 71 she achieved her goal of graduating, receiving her high school diploma from ACC Robbins Academy and accomplishing her life’s dream.

With her generous heart, high spirit, and fun-loving nature she was an inspiration to all that knew her.

Mary loved music; from “rock to Bach” and would dance at any opportunity. Her love for fine art, ballet, opera, the theatre, concerts, musicals, a Barnum and Bailey Circus, or Willie, Flaco and Johnny Rodriguez, she showed great appreciation for talented artists and individuals in any production. She also loved her church and sang in the choir. Hymns that she loved will be heard during her services.

Mary loved to cook and entertain. Over the years she hosted many parties, events and get togethers, loving all the good times, fun and festivities. If Mary was your friend you were a friend for life. If she saw a need, she put her life on hold and would help anyone in a heartbeat. She was always concerned with everyone’s safety and her parting words were always “be careful”.

Since her passing, she has been remembered as a social butterfly, life of the party, one of a kind and generous, humorous and witty, full of love and thoughtfulness, precious and beautiful, and wishes of knowing more people like her, to have relationships capable of being so loving like her. She shared stories of her many, many travels and experiences with anyone, and they would listen. One favorite of all was going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. "Can you believe I went all the way to the top of it?!!!" Mary lived life to the fullest, her personality was contagious and she could brighten any room. The party started when Mary arrived!

She lived a long and wonderful life. Anyone who ever met her walked away with a life lesson, proper English education, or a story that would touch their heart or make them laugh. She will truly and sincerely be missed by her loving family and many friends.

Mary is survived by her daughter and spouse Mary Ann and G. Gaylen Sparkman and “favorite" granddaughter Sydney Maria Alexandra Sparkman,

brother-in-laws and spouses, Uvaldino & Doris Santos Jr of Bellevue NE, Robert and Emily Santos of San Antonio TX, David and Lupe Santos of Elgin TX, and Ramon Galindo of Austin TX and many devoted and caring nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her loving parents Francisco & Soledad Cruz and devoted husband of 47 years Isidro “Sid” Santos, she was preceded in death by a son Richard Santos in 2007, brothers Jesse F. Cruz, Frank Cruz Jr., Joe Cruz, sisters Vera Cruz and Della Garcia-Urban, and recent loss of sister-in-law Pauline Galindo.

The family wishes to thank her many doctors, therapy specialists, and very special nurses who were very caring and devoted in their professions to provide the best of care. Her comment to them was always, "You're in charge!" They too will miss Ms. Santos' humor.

Very special and honorary appreciation to Mary's home caregivers, Mrs. Margarita 'Maggie' Nieto and Ms. Irma Anzures who took exceptional care of Ms Santos during her and were so loving of her as if she were their own mother. Ms. Santos has left their hearts but has not left the hearts of Ms. Santos' family left behind. Maggie and Irma are an inspiration of how sharing their love and care with others can be so rewarding. Thank you and welcome to Mary's family.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral home, 6100 N Lamar, Austin TX on Wednesday April 9, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Funeral services and Mass will be Thursday 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5909 Reicher Drive Austin TX, interment to follow at Capitol Parks Cemetery 14501 N IH35, Pflugerville TX 78732.

Obituary and memorial guest book available at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.

When you think of Mary, remember her with a smile.