Mary McErlean

Mary Ann "Debbie" McErlean, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and Christ follower was called home on Saturday, the 7th of December 2013, after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Those who knew Debbie remember her for her selfless and devoted manner, her dedication to her loved ones and her never-ending service as a good-listener.
Debbie was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on the 27th of July 1935, to Peter W. and Mary Dubeau. Debbie met the love of her life, Tom, and married on the 13th of June 1959, after which they had two sons, Kevin Brian in 1962 and Dennis Ryan in 1967 and lived in Bronx, NY. When Tom's entire department at Texaco was transferred to Houston in 1971, their family settled in southwest Houston, and Debbie's parents soon followed, where they lived harmoniously with Debbie, Tom and the boys until they each passed away.
They say that behind every strong man is a strong supportive woman, and Debbie was Tom's. She was his best friend, confidante and partner during all the years of their marriage, and cared and comforted him during his battle with brain cancer from the 5th of January 1990 until his death on the 19th of August 1992. Without exception, Tom's medical team pointed to Debbie's devotion and care as the primary factor in Tom far exceeding his expected lifespan at the time of his initial diagnosis. In happier days, Debbie was an active volunteer at the boys' elementary school, the team mom for Kevin's Little League baseball teams and held various volunteer and parent chaperone roles during Dennis' years with the Singing Boys of Houston. Her most recent volunteer service was with the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, where she found fulfillment through service after losing her beloved Tom.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and Tom. She is survived by her sons, Kevin McErlean, and wife, Anne, of Houston, and Dennis McErlean, and wife, Jodi, of The Woodlands; grandchildren, Meagan and Sean; as well as step-grandsons, Brennan, Nick, Anthony and Nate. She is also survived by her brother, Peter Dubeau, and wife, Dorothy, of New York.
The family would like to thank the physicians and staff at St. Luke's Hospital as well as the nurses at Nexus Specialty Hospital in The Woodlands, for their care and support for Debbie and the family during her various hospitalizations. They would also like to thank the staff at The Forum at The Woodlands and LivHOME, and Dr. Ana Leech and the Memorial Hermann Hospice Care team, for helping Debbie and supporting her needs during the most difficult parts of her journey. Last and certainly not least, the family especially thanks Dr. James A. Field, MD, of Surgical Group of The Woodlands, for his devoted friendship, guidance, support and compassionate reassurance during Debbie's various phases of treatment.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from nine until ten o'clock in the morning on Thursday, the 12th of December in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The funeral service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Thursday, also in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby grand foyer.
Following the services, the family is to gather for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made to Charity Guild of Catholic Women, 1203 Lovett Blvd., Houston, TX, 77006-3857.