Mary Warner

Mary Elizabeth Warner, 64, passed away after a brief illness on June 10, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. Born on February 1, 1961, in Victoria, Texas, Mary lived a life defined by creativity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those around her.

Mary's journey began in Texas, where she cultivated a passion for communication and design. After graduating from Victoria High School in 1979, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin in 1983. Driven by a deep desire to refine her artistic talents and expand her creative horizons, she moved to New York City and continued her education at the prestigious School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design-two institutions renowned for shaping some of the world's most innovative minds.

Her professional career was equally distinguished. Mary spent close to 40 years at J. Walter Thompson Advertising Agency, one of the industry's leading firms. Rising through the ranks to become Creative Director and Vice President, she did multi-award winning work for Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Pfizer, Wall Street Journal, Rolex and many more. Her work was not only seen by millions but also inspired countless young creatives whom she mentored with patience and enthusiasm. She was nicknamed "Night-Mary" because she was always the last to leave the office every night.

Always eager to explore new dimensions of creativity, Mary took a sabbatical to study Toy Design at FIT in Chicago-a testament to her boundless curiosity and love for imaginative expression.

Mary's creativity extended far beyond the office walls. She was constantly doodling, writing, thinking-her mind always alive with ideas. Her hobby was her work; her work was her joy. She collaborated with fellow writers and artists developing art campaigns, documentaries, and digital projects that reflected both her talent and her generous, caring spirit. That spirit carried over into her personal life as well. A cherished gift from Mary was always uniquely and colorfully wrapped in a fun design of her own, and the inside was typical of her originality, personal and thoughtful. Her style was unmatched. She was the "cool" relative.

In Brooklyn, Mary found not just a home but a community that she helped shape with warmth and leadership. As President of her co-op board for nearly 15 years, she fostered an environment that neighbors described as warm, friendly, and respectful-a reflection of Mary herself.

Mary's presence brought light into every room she entered. Those who knew her speak fondly of her cheerfulness, intelligence, and infectious chuckle but always of her caring soul. She had a rare ability to make others smile simply by being herself-lovely, quirky, youthful in spirit, spunky in demeanor. She gave freely of herself: selfless in action, generous in heart, always ready to help others while never asking for anything in return.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother Joe Warner (Cynthia); niece Arden Warner; stepsister Liz Rosenblath Heiser; stepbrother Philip Rosenblath; aunt Jane Henderson Jennings; cousins Melissa McClure, James McClure (Kathy), Nancy Talbot (Richard), Elane Dellinger (Lawrence), Sheri Westerman (Ted), Karen Quinn; many aunts, uncles and younger cousins; numerous dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.

Mary was preceded in death by her father James L. Warner Jr., mother Joanie Henderson Warner; grandparents Garland and Lucylle Barnes Henderson; and stepmother Jo Ann Daniel.

Mary's life will be celebrated in Victoria, Texas, details TBD, and New York City, July 9, 2025.

Mary Elizabeth Warner made life better-for friends, family members, colleagues-and for anyone lucky enough to cross paths with her. May her incomparable goodness and memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. xoxo nite-mary