Mary Lou Harrington, 56, passed from this life on Monday, September 6th at home in Dallas after a long struggle with COPD. She leaves behind her husband, Gregory Ross of Santa Fe, New Mexico; niece, Emily Eikenburg and partner April Miller of Dallas; sister Constance Harrington Coolik of Plano and aunt Mary Alice Phillips of Dallas. She was preceeded in death by her mother, Kitty Mattison Harrington, father Conner Harrington, mayor of Plano at his death in 1970; and, cousin Laurel Sage Harrington Morris. She was the grand daughter of the late Gladys Bishop Harrington of Plano.
She also leaves first cousins Cynthia Harrington (Dan) and Laurel Hunter Harrington Morris of Blue Ridge, Fred Joseph Harrington of Plano, Dr. Jim Blalock (Debbie) of Oklahoma City and Dr. Bob Blalock (Claudia) of Dallas, and a host of dear and lifelong friends.
The Plano community was very important to Mary Lou. She was an active member in Plano having worked for the Crisis Center, Live From Plano, and various other groups and organizations. Mary Lou was also an amazing artist and some have recently said that she missed her calling as an actress.
Mary Lou was instrumental in recruiting J.C. Penney's to move their headquarters from New York City to Plano. "Ya'll come, and bring your momma and papa and cousins too" was the cry. Penney's move was much talked about in the New York press and Mary Lou and a group of Plano supporters descended upon the city, making public appearances and sparring with radio disc jockeys, selling New Yorkers on Plano Texas.
Mary Lou retired from the real estate development business to Santa Fe, New Mexico where she and her attorney husband Gregory were active in the artistic, equestrian and legal communities. She was equally at ease in the boardroom and the kitchen. She was renowned for her hospitality and was every inch the consummate Texas lady - strong yet graceful, loving and welcoming. Her annual Governor's Cup polo party and New Years Day black eyed pea brunches were not to be missed. She would prepare for weeks for hunt breakfasts in the field for the Juan Tomas Hounds. She exuded love, caring and kindness.
Boz Skaggs, of Plano, who babysat her, portended the rock and roll life that Mary Lou would have. She was married to Steve Miller's personal assistant, traveled with the Steve Miller Band for years and personally knew many musicians of the 70's and 80's. Steve McCarty, who co-wrote Fly Like an Eagle and Wild Mountain Honey will perform at her Santa Fe memorial.
Mary Lou was always there for her friends and family offering love, support, and constant laughter. She will be missed more than words can convey.
A memorial will be held at the First Christian Church of Plano on October 2, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Flowers may be delivered directly to the church. Following the services at First Christian Church, there will be a potluck reception at the home of Emily and April, directions will be provided at the church. A celebration of her life will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico on September 19.
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