Mary Rina Casarez

Just two weeks shy of her 86th birthday, Mary Rina Casarez joined the Lord, her savior. A loving and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin, Mary led a life full of family and friends. She worked in Austin's early fashion industry for Spiegel's and arranged many fashion shows for Austin's youth. She began in the insurance industry as a Secretary and served as an English/Spanish translator for many years, finally retiring from the Texas Department of Insurance in 1991 as a Senior Administrative Assistant. Born in Austin and growing up three blocks from the Capitol, she was a proud Austinite who stood witness to its growth and change. Married to Sam Casarez Sr. for almost 63 years, her wry wit and energy carried them to the St. Mary Cathedral and all over Central Texas' famous eateries, their favorite pastime. In 1949, Mary Rina gave birth to the first of two sons, Jesse, and then 10 years later, Sam Jr. Jesse married Linda Janknegt and brought grandson Christopher and granddaughter Julia to her family. Sam Jr. married Lori Beth Harris and brought granddaughters Kelly, Christina and grandson Kevin into her family. Just three years ago, a great granddaughter was born to Julia and husband JC Alva. Julissa was the new "light" in Mary's life which brought much happiness to both her and Sam Sr. Mary adored all of her grandchildren and she made sure she had chocolate candy and ice cream always on hand. Mary Rina was preceded in death by three beloved women, great grandmother Julia Gamboa, mother Mary Gamboa, and cousin Carmen Gonzales, one of Austin's early restaurateurs, as well as many other co-workers, family members and friends. Left to mourn the loss of such a wonderful woman are her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Jackie Ringo, cousin Marie Antoinette Castillo, nephew Kyle Ringo and family, as well as many other family members and friends all over Texas and the United States. Pallbearers will be Chris Casarez, Kevin Casarez, JC Alva, Tony Casarez, Renee Castillo, and Kyle Ringo. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation from six o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 8th of June at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar. The vigil service and Rosary will be held at seven o'clock in the evening. A member of St. Mary Cathedral for over 60 years, Mary Rina's Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, the 9th of June at ten o'clock in the morning at the Cathedral, 203 E. 10th St., Austin, TX. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill. Tributes may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com