Mary Cloud

1946 - 2025

Mary Kathryn Holmes Cloud passed away on July 12, 2025. A lifelong Austinite, Mary K. was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where she graduated from Austin High School in 1964. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Texas at Austin in 1968, proudly representing Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
Mary K. spent her professional life teaching elementary and preschool children. Her warmth, patience, and creativity left a lasting impression on students and their families, who remember her with deep affection.
She is survived by her children, Mandy (Shane) Niles and Meredith (Colin) Conly; her grandchildren Birdie, Elle, and Stoke Niles, and Evelyn and Chap Conly; and her brother, Stoke Peyton Holmes III.
Beyond her devotion to her family, Mary K. was a loyal volunteer in her community. She was deeply committed to Tarrytown United Methodist Church, where she found spiritual fulfillment and fellowship through the SWIFT Class, Bell Choir, and Children and Youth Ministries. Her faith was lived out in service and song.
For over 30 years, Mary K. was a dedicated member of The Settlement Club, supporting the Settlement Home for Children. She was a familiar and joyful presence in the Art Department every Monday morning, preparing for the annual charity garage and estate sale, which she co-chaired twice with grace and enthusiasm.
In her later years, Mary K. spent her time playing Bridge, participating in book and sewing groups, and continuing to explore her passions for cooking and gardening. Her commitment to learning and connection never waned.
A service of hymns and scripture celebrating Mary K.'s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 13 at Tarrytown United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Settlement Home for Children (settlementhome.org/donate) or Austin Pets Alive (donate.austinpetsalive.org).
Mary K. Cloud's legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she loved, and the community she served. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.