Mary Ann Earle

MARY ANN EARLE passed away on September 30 after a long and courageous bout with multiple cancers. Daughter of Col. Edward P. Wadden, USA, and Marie Payette, Mary Ann was born an "Army Brat" on April 13, 1924 at a post in the U.S. Canal Zone, Panama. After her father's two tours of foreign duty in this hemisphere, she subsequently followed him to far eastern posts. While her father was serving abroad she and her mother relocated to New Orleans. After World War II, while attending Loyola University in New Orleans she met her future husband, John William Earle, in an ethics class taught by Father Martin Burke, SJ, who subsequently married them at the Jesuit church on the Loyola campus in 1948. Shortly after the birth of their son, Edward, the family moved to New York City in 1951. While in New York Mary Ann discovered the earthy attractions of good theater and good food. In 1977 she continued to pursue these well-developed interests in Houston. There one of her first stops was to introduce herself to the Roman Catholic parish of St. Michael's. Her activities in the parish included Catholic Daughters of America and the Sociable Seniors. Separate from Church activities she was as active in the Afton Oaks Gardeners and volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels. A Vigil Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 2004 in the Chapel of J.B. Earthman - Tanglewood Funeral Directors, 5740 San Felipe at Bering Drive. A Memorial Mass will be held Monday morning at 10:00 a.m., October 4, 2004 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd., with Rev. John Rooney, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be given to either or both, Rehab Mission (Turning Point), 1701 Jacquelyn, Houston, TX 77055; Little Flower at St. Theresa's Church, 6622 Haskell St., Houston, TX 77007.