Mary Olivia Kirchenwitz

Mary was the second youngest of nine children born to Joseph and Hattie Davis who owned a farm located near present day Galleria in Houston. Her life as a child in a large, poor family was shaped by the Great Depression.

In 1946, she married Elton ‘Kirk’ Kirchenwitz, a Navy Seabee and together they raised a family and became part of the honored ‘Greatest Generation’ – the hard working Americans that grew up in the Great Depression, sacrificed in WWII and established the America we know today. Mary worked for Hughes Tool Co. during the war, making aircraft parts. She and her husband gave of their time and treasure to the Shriner’s organization where Mary was an honored member of the Eastern Star. She loved playing her ukulele, baking and cooking and sharing that cooking knowledge with close friends and family. The dinner table always had an ‘extra’ guest. She was a softball coach, loved to crochet and make Afghans for others.

Mary had a ‘giving heart’ and was known for opening her home as well as her heart to others, especially young adults, even housing them in her own home, empowering them to begin a new start in life. She was known in the neighborhood as an adult you could trust and go to for help – with anything.

She was active in her church and had a strong belief in God and lived her life giving and helping others. She will be missed.

She is survived by her three children, Jeanette, Shirley and Debbie. She leaves five grandchildren – Chad, Nicole, Rose, Danna and Damion along with seven great grandchildren.

A reception follows at Mary’s house, 9777 Cedardale to continue our celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Shriners Hospital, St. Jude or Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements under the direction of Earthman Funeral Directors-Hunters Creek, Houston, TX.