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Mary Hetherington Obituary

December 9 1925 - November 23, 2015
Mary Louella Hetherington of Universal City, passed away on Sunday, November 23rd 2015 at Northeast Methodist Hospital 16 days shy of the age of 90 years old. Mary was born in Midland Texas on December 9th 1925 to Jackson M Mayfield and Virginia D Acker Mayfield Cecil. Mary graduated from Midland High School and married Odie Allen Kelly who served as a B -29 Radar Bombadier in WWII. After her first husband was lost in the war she met Lt Donald William Hetherington who was visiting the families of fallen soldiers from his unit. They were married and together they traveled the world through various postings with their children. Throughout their travels Mary became engrossed in learning about Art and developing her own craft. In the sixties Mary began showing her artwork and becoming more respected by her peers in the art community. In 1970 "The Little Studio Gallery" was opened in the rectory of the Church of La Villita with fellow aspiring artists. Several years later, the little studio gallery relocated to a larger location in La Villita which is still operated by aspiring artists to this day.
During her active painting years, she became members of the following art organizations: Texas Watercolor Society, Southwestern Watercolor Society, Hill Country Arts Foundation , Coppini Academy of Fine Arts, San Antonio Art League, River Art Group and New Braunfels Art League, Starving Artist Organization and other noted organizations. Mary was also honored as one of the top 10 artists in the state of Texas. She became a master teacher of watercolor, oils, acrylics, metals and glass. Even after she retired she was sought out for her expert critiques.


Some of Mary's children and their family:

Predeceased by son Patrick and daughter-in-law Julie Hetherington of New Braunfels Texas.
Survived by Robert and Suzie Kelly of Cleburne Texas. James and Robin Hetherington of Murrieta California. Judith D."Hetherington" Smith of Florsville Texas. Jennifer Hetherington and Mitchell Kramps of Universal City Texas, Jayme and Curtis Arens of Cibolo Texas. She also leaves behind 7 Grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

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

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Dec. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Hetherington

Not sure what to say?





David Musick

July 2, 2024

She definitely could teach water coloring paintings...
She was a woman that changed my life for the good.. she paved my way to photography.
Rest well..

Denise Hatch

October 14, 2022

I purchased a barn scene watercolor painting by Mary, recently, in Bend, Oregon, and it is really lovely. I wanted to know about the artist and found her obituary here. She was a very talented artist and I will treasure this painting.

Dawn Newman

July 22, 2022

Her 1st granddaughter Dawn Elaine Smith. Her 1st Great granddaughter, Heather Elaine Newman and her Great grandson, Bronson Sloan Newman.

Pastor Mark Dankof

July 5, 2022

Pastor Mark Dankof

July 5, 2022

Pastor Mark Dankof

July 5, 2022

Mary was my Mother´s great friend in the artist community in San Antonio at Little Studio of La Villita. At the time, memorial sites for Mary were not yet available. Vera and I write today to insure this message of remembrance and love is belatedly posted in July of 2022. The photos attached are from Vera´s retirement from Little Studio of La Villita in San Antonio in the summer of 2017.

Carol Mayfield

December 17, 2015

My Precious sister-in-law, who I will miss as well as her brother (my husband). May they be happy in heaven.

Kathy Newman

December 8, 2015

May God bless and comfort the family during this difficult time.

Kallene Purl

December 5, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace.

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