Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Attwell Obituary
1934-2017
Mary Petersen Attwell, an angel here on earth, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, the 14th of September 2017. With her beloved family, caretakers, and devoted dog Louie, she was surrounded by love, prayers, and favorite songs.
Mary's radiant beauty never waned. Born on the 25th of June 1934, to the late Emily Thomason and Dr. Henry A. Petersen. Mary spent her whole beautiful life in Houston. She attended Lamar High School, followed by Duke University and the University of Texas, Plan II. Shortly after, she married her lifelong love, Joseph Evans Attwell, who adored his "Marie". They shared 51 remarkable years raising five children and six grandchildren.
She nurtured in her family a deep appreciation of music, nature, and all of God's creatures. Nothing defined Mary more than her unwavering faith in and love for her Savior Jesus Christ. She found her greatest joy in being a mother and grandmother. Her empathy and listening ear drew so many to her and forged lifelong friendships.
Mary is survived by her children, Mary V. Attwell, John T. and wife Carrie Attwell, Evans S. and wife Theresa Attwell, Emily S. Attwell, and Carol Attwell Bourne and husband Mike Bourne; her six grandchildren Petersen Attwell, Noah Rowntree, Evans Attwell II, Patrick Attwell, Georgie Rowntree, and Mary Evans Attwell; her sister Emily Petersen Mumford. Other survivors include Stephen Bourne and wife Alex, Annie Bourne, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Her family is full of gratitude to the special souls who cared for Mary. She leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, kindness, and grace.
A visitation will be held at Geo. H. Lewis and Sons, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, Texas, from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19th. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the 20th of September, 2017 at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, Texas, with a reception to follow in Sumners Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary's name to: St. John the Divine, Ministry of Music for Children and Youth, or The Shepherd Society Fund for Student Scholarship, The Shepherd School of Music, Rice University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Attwell
Sponsored by Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors.
Tom Jaber
September 11, 2025
I shall always remember Mary Attwell's kindness and gentle spirit. For all of the support she demonstrated toward me and my music-making, I am truly grateful.
With deepest sympathy to Mary's family...
Tom Jaber - Rice University's Shepherd School of Music
Lillian Thomas
December 22, 2017
Carol, Emily, Mary, John, and Evans, your mother was a wonderful and very sweet person. I know she and my mother (Audrey) having a wonderful time.
December 22, 2017
Carol, Emily, Mary, John, and Evan, my thoughts and prayers are with you always. Your mother was a very sweet lady. Sorry this message is so late, but I did not know until now (12-22-17). Love Always, Verdella and Lawanda (Audrey's family) God Bless!!!
September 22, 2017
Carol, Emily and all of Mary's family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Mary was a sweet, loving woman and I will miss her.
Elizabeth Gillis, Bahama, North Carolina
Jim jamail
September 22, 2017
Mary was a customer at Jim Jamail and Sons food market all of her life. I remember her sweet smile and warm feelings for our family. More than that she was a generation to generation customer as her mother, Mrs. Peterson shopped with my grandfather, Jim. She was always present when we lost a loved one in our family. Houston was better with her presence but she has attained what we are all hoping to find ---
eternal peace and happiness. God has blessed her.
Betsy Parish
September 22, 2017
To the family of Mary Peterson Attwell:
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. All who were fortunate to know Mary Peterson Attwell were blessed to have had the opportunity and the memories of her gracious personality and kind heart will be treasured.
Charlotte White
September 20, 2017
Dearest Emily and family, It is so hard to say goodbye to our Mothers, but it is also the order it should be. I'm sending my sympathy and love in hopes that you all can remember the best of your life with her.
Love, Charlotte White
Tom Jaber
September 19, 2017
I shall always remember Mary Attwell's kindness and gentle spirit. For all of the support she demonstrated toward me and my music-making, I am truly grateful.
With deepest sympathy to Mary's family...
Tom Jaber - Rice University's Shepherd School of Music
September 19, 2017
A Note to Mary's and Evans' children, grandchildren, and Mary's sister Emily:
Take comfort the Angeles in Heaven are greeting your mother, grandmother, and Mary's sister Emily with open arms as the bugles and harps play their warmest welcome hymn of greetings to a very special person whom we all loved and admired.
With love, Sidney and Lew Brown, Montgomery, TX
C B
September 19, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May it comfort you to know that God keeps those who die in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15
Darla Hill Jones
September 19, 2017
Mary was such a lovely, gentle person. I knew her from the gym, where she always came in with a smile. She will be greatly missed. I am very sorry for your loss.
Joanne Baker-Oakes
September 19, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers will be with the
family. God Bless each of you.
September 19, 2017
With heartfelt condolences and love for my childrens Mima, forever in my memory with love and gratitude...
Judy Brown Tollner
Gwen King Kinney
September 18, 2017
So very sad to hear of Mary's passing. All of the Kings loved her and will deeply miss her as we have missed your father as well. Blessings and love to all of the Attwells.
Kathy Lyon
September 18, 2017
How I loved this sweet, gentle soul. She was always so good to me. My prayers are sent heavenward for those children, grandchildren and loved ones remaining who will miss her presence in their lives. May the One who can bring peace during this hard time to those who love Mary, comfort you all. Much love, Kathy
Theresa Nicksic
September 18, 2017
Our deepest condolences Carol. Dan and Theresa Nicksic
KELLEY
September 18, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
September 18, 2017
Offering my condolences to the family and loved ones. "May mercy and peace and love be increased to you. "- Jude 2
Neill Masterson
September 17, 2017
Prayers and love for all of the Attwell family.
Neill & Constant Masterson
September 15, 2017
My condolences for your loss. May God soften your grief during this difficult time. Please be comforted in knowing how precious your loved one is in God's eyes. Psalms 116:15
Robert Linnstaedt
September 15, 2017
Frank and I are saddened to hear of Mrs. Attwell's death. Our heartfelt prayers are with her family and friends.
Frank Meyner and Robert Linnstaedt
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Attwell's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Attwell
Funeral services provided by:
Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057
How to support Mary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Attwell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
