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Mary Pawley Obituary

Mary Jean Calkins Pawley, born on the 12th of September 1920, in Golden, Colorado, and passed away on Friday, the 11th of January 2013. She was 92.
Mary Jean was an active member of the Houston chapter of AAUW, a devoted alumna of The University of Denver, University of Houston, and Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. She volunteered as a Docent at Renzi and MFAH, was a member of St. Martin's Saintly Stitchers, a charter member of Geowives, a Girl Scout Leader, and participated with other groups as well. She was an avid reader and participated in many book clubs. She moved to Houston in 1945 when her husband, Julian took a job at Standard Oil. Mary Jean taught elementary school in HISD for over 20 years. Her love and passion for learning touched many lives and she genuinely valued her time as an educator and was particularly focused on educating girls. She was part of the team for West Houston AAUW that created "Expanding Your Horizons," a science and math education program for middle school girls. She loved to sail and enjoyed the long sailing trips with her family during the summer when her girls were young. Other trips were to Colorado, California, and the Pacific Northwest to visit family and a number of summers in Spain studying Spanish.
She is preceded in death by her Brother, Franklin Lorimer Calkins; husband of 65 years, Julian Kingsbury Pawley; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Friend, M.D.; son-in-laws, Thomas W. Grady and William Bruckert; and her beloved dachshund, Frauline. Mary Jean is survived by her daughters, Martha Pawley Grady of Houston and Patricia L. Whiteside of Austin. She leaves behind three granddaughters: Jennifer Friend and husband, Philip; Allison Gryder and husband, Wesley; and Heather Sewell and husband, Wade; one grandson, Kevin Bruckert and wife, Courtney; four great-grandchildren; three nieces: Anne Pawley Tabb, Dee Pawley, and Vicki Calkins Bennett; and several great-nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank The Hampton staff for all the care they provided to Mary Jean during her time there.
A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 25th of January, in the chapel of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Katherine Picot, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Prayer Ministries, the Rev. Martha Frances, and the Rev. Pam Pawley Cottrell are to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held at The Hampton, 2929 Post Oak Boulevard in Houston
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Mary Jean Pawley may be directed to the West Houston AAUW Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 98045, Washington, D.C., 20090-8045, (with the required identifier, TX7037).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Lisa Poynor

January 24, 2013

Martha

Martha, you and Allison are in my prayers. Knowing you makes me feel like in a way that I knew your Mother. Such a lady. With all of my love

Sarah Keith

January 22, 2013

With deepest sympathy and love,

Sarah Keith

Deborah Halsted

January 22, 2013

Martha-I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carol Flack

January 21, 2013

Thinking of you at this time and keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

January 21, 2013

Dear Jennie, Martha and Patricia,

So sorry for hear about your loss. We have such beautiful memories of your grandmother & mother. Most memories are from the early 70's during the time of Liz's marriage to my brother David and during Jennie's early years. She was such a charming hostess at many family events. She will be missed! Remembering her with love.

John and Ann Bergeron, Colorado Springs

Robin Cubberly

January 21, 2013

I have many fond memories of your mother. I remember her writing on her memo pad, stream of consciousness it seemed, and I was so interested and wondered what she was thinking. When I came over to visit, she was always warm and welcoming and I always felt comfortable in her presence. The mention of Frauline in the obituary brings another set of memories, most notable having to do with chocolate cake disappearing. May she rest in peace.

January 20, 2013

Dear Martha & Allison,
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a wonderful lady. Will keep you all in our hearts and prayers.
Karen & Jerry Merwald

Sally Tyler

January 20, 2013

Martha and Allison,
We send our deepest sympathy and love. So sorry for your family's loss.
Sally and Jack

January 20, 2013

D. DANIEL BIVENS

Margaret Bott

January 20, 2013

Martha and Allison, I am so glad to have had the opportunity to spend a little time with your mother when she lived at the Hampton. She was really a lovely lady with a delightful sense of humor.

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Funeral services provided by:

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057

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