Mary Janalee Sarli

Mary Janalee Sarli, known lovingly as Mary, passed from this life on September 27, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, after a life marked by faith, devotion, courage, and a deep love for the people she served.

Mary was born on November 4, 1950, in Wichita County, Texas, and from the beginning, she carried a spirit that would shape every chapter of her life. She was a Christian woman whose life reflected kindness, perseverance, and a steady commitment to helping others grow. Those who knew her best would describe her as loving, thoughtful, and courageous, and those words speak truthfully of the way she lived. Mary faced life with grace, and even in difficult seasons she remained grounded in faith and determined to be a source of strength to others.

Mary devoted her life to education and to the betterment of students, teachers, and schools. Her academic achievements reflected her dedication to learning and leadership. From 2009 to 2012, she attended Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she earned an Educational Specialist degree in Administrator Leadership. Earlier, from 1993 to 1997, she studied at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where she received Texas certification in Mid-Management Administration, Texas certification in Gifted and Talented Education for kindergarten through 12th grade, and Texas certification in Secondary English and English Language Arts. Her education was not simply a personal accomplishment, it was a foundation for a career spent lifting others higher.

Mary’s professional life was rich with service and impact. From 2014 to 2016, she served at Anne Frank Inspire Academy as High School Student Success Coordinator and Mathematics Facilitator for Middle School. In that role, she coordinated and oversaw curricular programs for high school students in mathematics, english, biology, world geography, and electives. She also planned, wrote, and coordinated curriculum for mathematics programs, and she taught high school courses including Algebra I, geometry, and English I. Her work reflected both excellence and heart, and she approached every responsibility with purpose.

From 2010 to 2013, Mary served at the University of Texas IPSI in Austin, Texas, as a Project Manager, working full time and part time. There she coordinated the Algebra Readiness Grant with 173 schools and eight master teachers across the state of Texas. She also coached mathematics teachers from several districts and provided demonstration lessons that helped strengthen instruction and confidence in the classroom. Her work made a lasting difference, not only in systems and programs, but in the lives of educators and students who benefited from her leadership.

From 2008 to 2010, Mary served as Secondary Mathematics Specialist for Edgewood ISD in San Antonio, Texas. In a district serving more than 11,000 students, she coordinated secondary mathematics for middle school and high school programs, worked toward systemic improvement, and planned, coordinated, and led professional development for secondary mathematics. Earlier, from 2006 to 2008, she served Northside ISD in San Antonio as a Title I Mathematics Specialist, where she coordinated the mathematics program for Sul Ross Middle School. Across every position, Mary brought wisdom, diligence, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

Mary’s life was also deeply rooted in family. She is survived by her husband, Gary G. Sarli; and children, Dolly Jorgensen, Gary M. Sarli, Ethan Sarli, and Scott Sarli, who preceded her in death. She is also survived by her sisters, Sharlett Miller, Teressia Phillips, and Cindy Carter; her sons-in-law, Finn Arne Jorgensen and Jesse Free; her daughter-in-law, Allison Bricker; her sister-in-law, Pamela Catudal; and her granddaughters, Marion Jorgensen and Lina Jorgensen. She was preceded in death by her brothers, David Woodall, Douglas Woodall, and Earnest Woodall. Mary loved her family deeply, and her presence was a steady and comforting gift to those around her.

Outside of her professional and family life, Mary found joy in simple and meaningful pleasures. She loved baking and cooking, and she took delight in cake decorating. She had a special affection for pigs and anything with pigs on it, a charming reflection of her warm and playful spirit. She also enjoyed playing card games and board games, moments that brought laughter, connection, and cherished memories. These interests revealed the fullness of her personality, which was tender, creative, and delightfully human.

Mary’s passing was due to heart and lung issues, and while her earthly journey has ended, her influence remains. A life lived in faith does not disappear. It continues in the hearts of those who were shaped by it, encouraged by it, and loved through it. Mary leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and steadfast belief in the goodness of God. She lived with intention, loved with sincerity, and worked with excellence. Her life reminds us that quiet faithfulness can change the world in powerful ways.

As the writer and poet Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Mary made people feel seen, supported, and valued. That is a beautiful legacy, and it will endure. May her memory be a blessing and may those who mourn her be comforted by the hope that is found in Christ, who gives strength for today and peace for tomorrow.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212.

A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church at 9944 Leslie, San Antonio, TX 78254 with committal to follow at Helotes Lutheran Cemetery #2.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: https://imaginationlibrary.com/