Mary Lisowski Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Mission Park Funeral Chapels Medical Center on Mar. 31, 2025.
At the age of 79, beloved mother and loving wife, Mary Lou Lisowski (affectionately nicknamed "Bola") has joined her parents, sister, and brothers in eternal peace, embraced by The Blessed Mother Mary and the God she defended and adored.
Mary Lou was a fiercely protective mother, a devoted wife, and the matriarchal foundation of her family. She was the binding force that brought together multiple generations of family from her children to her great-grandchildren similar to the traditions handed down by her parents.
As seen through the eyes of her husband and children, on March 25, 2025, she chose to protect her family in an act of selfless love and acceptance. She chose the moment of her final breath in hospital, with family present, so that those she loved would not have to make the difficult decision of when and how she should pass. It was the ultimate sacrifice of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and protector. She had expressed during the ordeal that led to this moment that she was "good with God."
Mary Lou was born on January 31, 1946, the daughter of Sabas and Consuelo Cortez. She had three siblings - Fernando, Ricardo, and Corrine; and a multitude of cherished cousins and extended family. She was preceded in passing by her parents and siblings.
She attended and graduated from Incarnate Word High School and later attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio. She was happily married to her second and loving husband at the time of her passing.
As a young mother, she was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts at Little Flower Parish for several years. She worked for various healthcare companies throughout her life and ultimately at University Hospital, where she met her second husband.
Mary Lou was an avid fan of Motown, classic rock and roll, and blues from the 1950s and 1960s. Fats Domino was a clear favorite. One of her treasured memories was meeting B.B. King at an East Side club concert, an experience made possible by tickets gifted to her and her first husband by their children. She also loved to dance. Her passion for music extended beyond those genres, and she passed her diverse musical tastes on to her children.
She was the primary provider for her children for much of her life, often working multiple jobs at once. She endured times of hardship and uncertainty but remained steadfast in her devotion to her family. Her greatest mission as a mother was to provide for and protect her children. As her older children grew and left the nest, she continued to embody her nurturing spirit. Until her passing, she and her husband maintained a loving household in welcoming more children into their hearts and home.
Mary Lou was also a devoted Disney fan. She raised her children on Disney magic and even took a part-time position at Disney Store #316 to support her passion for collecting Disney memorabilia. While there, she became part of a crew that formed lasting friendships, which extended beyond her employment at the store. She delighted in playing "Grandma-Claus" at Christmas and worked to earn the perks of being a Disney employee, including discounted entry to Disney parks. She organized yearly trips to Disney World (sometimes twice a year) with family, where she and her husband held a timeshare.
Additionally, she was an enthusiastic scrapbooker, sharing this hobby with several of her daughters and friends.
It has often been said, "There is no greater love than that of a mother for her children." Mary Lou embodied this truth in every way, extending her love to all who knew her. She will never be forgotten, and in the hearts of those who love her, she will always be missed.
Mary Lou is survived by:
Husband:
Thomas Lisowski
Children:
Jorge, Consuelo (Connie) Lozano, Antonio Leija, Belinda (and son-in-law John Foster), Marisol Leija, Aixita Leija, Elvirita Leija-Aguilar (and son-in-law Russell Aguilar), Tommy and Joel Lisowski, and Consuelo (Chelly) Lozano.
Grandchildren:
Lauren Lozano, Rudy and MariaLouisa Trevino;
Felicia Montalvo, Amanda, Anthony, Samuel, Jonah, and Catarina Leija;
Zachary, Caitlin, and Mason Foster;
Isabella Leija-Maya, Leopoldo Ramos Leija II, Gabriel, and Corinna Jansky;
Ayden Butler, Ezryn, and Evalyne Hernandez;
Ethan, Elijah, Cricket, Eden, and Ezekiel Aguilar.
Great-Grandchildren:
Mariana Trevino; Isabella Renee Leija;
Ariella Leija, Alana, Anastacia, Adrienne, and William Flores.
She is also survived by many dear friends and a vast extended family.