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Mary TRAVIS Obituary
Mary McIver Travis was born August 6, 1995 and passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Mary was bright and kind, creative, ethical, and empathetic. She was open-minded, non-judgmental, and believed in fairness and acceptance for all. She was a force of nature, a whirlwind of energy, a born leader, and a shining light and inspiration for her friends. Outgoing and precocious, Mary devoured books by the hundreds, wrote stories and poems, and easily struck up charming and insightful conversations with people of all ages.
Mary was an exceptional student, wise beyond her years, and always present when friends were in need, providing them with support, encouragement and humor. She believed "you must be present to win" and seized every opportunity with enthusiasm. Rarely at a loss for words and punctuating nearly every text with a smiley face and exclamation marks, she lived with a passion for life that impressed everyone who knew her. Enrolled in the business program at Tulane University and a member of the Chi O Sorority, she loved school and New Orleans and enjoyed dining out and socializing with her large, diverse, and wonderful group of friends. Mary was excited about her courses and planned to study abroad next year to explore her interest in art.
Overcoming heart problems and severe scoliosis through several procedures including spinal fusion surgery, Mary acquired a perspective that made her nearly fearless in the face of adversity. We will forever be grateful for the care of Dr. Karen Wright and Dr. John Williams and the staff at Dell Children's Hospital.
Mary attended First United Methodist Preschool, Casa Montessori, Highland Park Elementary School, Hill Country Middle School, Westlake High School, Tulane University, and Camp Mystic. She enjoyed traveling, attending music festivals, cooking (especially eating), making arts and crafts, and spending time with her many close friends, who we will hold dear to our hearts forever.
Mary loved others deeply and was loved by everyone who knew her well. Her untimely death leaves a hole in our hearts so large that it can only be filled by her humor, beauty, inspiration, art, contributions to others, and the countless memories of one of the most caring and wonderful people you could ever know. We are left facing a mystery so big and powerful that we must work hard to find some understanding and peace. We trust that we will find comfort together as we smile in remembrance of Mary and her remarkable and vibrant life.
Mary is survived by her parents Ann Benners Travis and Edward Outlaw Travis, dear sister Kate Jordan Travis, grandfather William H. Benners III, Uncle David (Aunt Leslie), Aunts Kit, Mary (Uncle Rik), and Sue, cousins Griffin, Jackson, Mariah (Chris), Travis, Ray, Parker, Kelly, and Sarah, as well as other relatives and beloved friends and neighbors.
Instead of flowers, please consider contributions in Mary's memory to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention athttp://afsp.donordrive.com/campaign/MaryT or another charity of your choice.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial gathering Monday Dec 22 at 1:30 pm at The Barr Mansion, 10463 Sprinkle Rd, Austin, TX 78754. For more information please visit http://travisfamily.org/mary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary TRAVIS
Kaleigh Guarino
August 7, 2025
Hello,
I am not sure if anyone will see this or not, but my name is Kaleigh Guarino, and I am Charles "Larry" Callahan´s granddaughter. Mary did a project on my grandfather back in 2012, and my family loves the video. It is amazing work! My great aunt, Larry´s sister, recently shared the video again because she was thinking of her brother and the video. She commented that she wanted to track Mary down to thank her again, so I got to work. I looked at her YouTube account and found a comment from her father, and how he visited the wall and knows my grandfather thanks to Mary´s work. I saw he hoped Larry´s friends and family would never forget Mary. We have not forgotten Mary, and we never will. I am so sorry for your loss, and I really hope this reaches Mary´s family because I really wanted you to know we remember and appreciate all she did.
Frances Glass
November 30, 2020
Kate, Anne and Ed. Remembering you all during this season grown darker in 2020. But you all just shine to me. Just as Mary continues to shine when I see her face. She is a force. Love to you all! Frances, Jordan, Carmen and Cole
Helen Frances Glass
November 30, 2020
Hey there! Sending full on love to Kate, Anne and Ed as I consider this season and the loss of Mary. What a force she was and continues to spill forward. Just to gaze upon that face gives me joy and a bittersweet pondering. Love you guys!! Franny
Swa
April 16, 2020
Travis Family,
My name is Amy Ellison and I was fortunate to share in Mary's journey at Casa Montessori. At my school in Oregon we are reading My Father's Dragon to the students. I am using my copy that has an inscription from 5 yr old Mary.
My Best to You,
Amy
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Susan Stotesbery
January 4, 2015
Dear Ann, Ed, and Kate,
We three are thinking of all of you and praying for God's peace and comfort for you every day - we loved Mary and love you all very much,
hugs, Susan
Jeri Leer
December 26, 2014
Ann,
I join the many Hockaday friends mourning the loss of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 22, 2014
We have so many wonderful memories of Mary and your family at Casa, and later Hill Country and Westlake. Our hearts are broken. Our family has been sharing a lot of memories of her and the rest the Travis family since we heard this devastating news. We will continue to think of her and remember her sweet smile.
Chuck, Barbra, Cedar and Hannah Slovacek
December 22, 2014
Ann, Ed and Kate, I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of Mary are of a little girl, coming to Casa to get Kate. Your words showed what a wonderful person she had become. Blessings and healing for you all. Susan (McCrary) Gretzinger
Kathy Lewis
December 21, 2014
Myrna and I learned of Mary's departure last night. Our thoughts are with you all and our hearts ache.
Mary Glass-Monahan
December 18, 2014
I did not know Mary but can see in her smile and through the loving responses that she is a beautiful and joyful soul. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Frances Glass
December 16, 2014
Dear La, as I read these descriptions of Mary, I continue to remember the first time I met you at Sewanee as a freshman. The traits are so similar! You were an excellent student, a great friend and knowing you DID change my life. Whether you knew it or not, you touched so many and you have suffered so much with poise and dignity. Ed and you have girls who have taken it to a whole new level. Their focus and compassion make me hope my own children will continue to thrive in that same spirit. I am so despondent over Mary's decision to leave us. My entire family, who you know well, has been holding our breath since that day. We will continue to be a silent chorus of thoughts and support until you want us to speak. I see Kate has moved into action in helping others cope... Again, she is so special and so much the kind of person we need to have near us in this world.
I keep Kate and Mary in a framed and beautiful picture you sent a few years ago.. And every 15 year old friend of my son's who sees it just stares and says "Who are they?" Jaw dropping, of course.. And I am moved to tell them...
Love to Ed, Kate and you; Annie La..
Your friend, Frances (Franny-Swa)Glass, Jordan, Carmen and Cole Tappero; and the entire Glass family.
Brad & Jodi Menick
December 16, 2014
Dear Ed,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mary. We have your family in out thoughts.
Cheryl Mullins
December 15, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Travis family. I remember Mary as a bright, curious, happy little girl in the Highland Park library after school looking for that perfect book to read over the weekend!
Brad & Holly Smith
December 15, 2014
Our deepest sympathies for this terrible loss! Your family is in our family's thoughts.
Karen Wright
December 12, 2014
Dear Ann, Ed, and Kate,
As I await the arrival home from college of my daughters today, I am crying again at the unimaginable void this tragedy has wrought upon your family. I am honored to have known Mary, and to have played a small role in her life's journey. Every time Mary was on my day's schedule, I knew there would be extra smiles in my day. It's impossible to think of Mary and not smile. Her life on this Earth was a shining light for so many.
We lift you with prayers of love and support.
December 10, 2014
Although Mary and I were not exceptionally close, she was my sister in Chi Omega, and I can say that her memory will always be treasured by all of her sisters. She was one of the brightest spots in our pledge class, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to see her smiling face at all sorority events. My most heartfelt condolences go out to your family and all who were close to her. She was a wonderful friend and sister to us all.
December 10, 2014
I met Mary just a few times at Tulane, but I was immediately struck by her beauty, charm and intelligence. It was a pleasure and an honor to know her smile and the lovely personality behind it, even if just for a short while. She will be remembered fondly here.
December 9, 2014
Dear Travis Family,
Our sincerest condolences to all of you and all of Mary's loved ones. Her face truly sparkled in pictures.
May her beautiful memory always be a blessing to all of you.
Gwenn and Anthony DellaPelle
Morristown NJ
Laurence Hancock
December 9, 2014
I met you through my travels in Austin; you will be remembered for the times we spent together.
You were such a kind and giving soul; one that I believe would have been a dear friend if I would spend time with you longer.
Your happiness and helpfulness to someone you had only met is something I have never experienced before.
It is hard to process what has happened; I hope you and your family know that in just 3 weeks of privileged friendship you showed yourself to be an amazing person of character; a person that will not be forgotten, a person that will be remembered.
Carol Ervin
December 9, 2014
Dear Ann,
I wish I was there to give you a hug. My heart goes out to you and Ed and Kate.
Carol Ervin, Charleston, South Carolina
Sarah Celik
December 9, 2014
Like so many people, we're lucky to have known Mary. The first time we met her, she was about 3 and Kate, I'm guessing, about 5. We dropped over to have a look at Ed's rainwater cistern, and found such an enchanting scene. Along with the cistern, a child's pump had been built, a channel for water play, a tree fort …... While we talked about the cisterns, the 2 girls happily frolicked around their magical backyard. The inevitable dispute arose between small children over who had taken more turns on the slide. They immediately took the issue to their father who took a moment to listen to each small case, deftly offered a solution, and they were off and romping together down the slide, again. Other enjoyable visits and dinners followed suit, but my first meeting with this delightful, happy & lucky child remains my most vivid memory of Mary.
Danae Kozelsky
December 8, 2014
I loved getting to know Mary in Science class at HCMS! She was a joy to have in class! I am so sorry for your loss! You are in my prayers!
Pat Rueter
December 8, 2014
I don't know you, but my heart is touched by your loss. I pray that God will grant you the peace that allows healing. There are no words that will comfort at this time, but I pray that you will be comforted in due time. The loss of such a beautiful young woman is an unbearable tragedy.
December 8, 2014
My dear Ann, words cannot express my heartfelt sorrow and grief at the passing of your darling Mary. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you nd your family as you celebrate her beautiful life. Please know that many of us old Hockaday friends are grieving with you from afar. May God bring you His peace and comfort.
Kathy Martin Oberthier
Peter & Shirley Roth
December 8, 2014
Dear Travis family,
Our heartfelt condolences for your sad loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
December 8, 2014
Dear Ed, Ann, and Kate,
Please accept our sincerest condolences. We are very sorry for the loss of Mary. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
The Shroff family
The Bondy Family
December 7, 2014
Dearest Travis family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unbelievably sad time. Our daughter considered Mary one of her closest friends at Tulane. We are thinking of you and hoping you somehow find peace...
Sharla Campbell
December 6, 2014
Mary was a shining light in our 6th grade Social Sudies class. Her light will continue to shine.
Carolyn Swinnea
December 6, 2014
Ann and Ed , I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Leslie Alexander
December 6, 2014
Oh dear Travis Family. No words, no words. I'm just across the street and willing to help any way you may want.
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