Mimi's Obituary

MARY FRANCES BELK DWYER, age 88, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, Mimi and friend, passed away on Tuesday, the 6th of October 2009.She was born on the 15th of January 1921, in Houston. She graduated from Reagan High School in 1938, where she was assistant drum lieutenant for the Reagan Redcoats.She loved to volunteer at her children's schools and was President of the PTA at Garden Oaks Elementary in 1958-1959. As a child she was a member of the Woodland Baptist Church and as an adult was a member of Spring Woods Methodist Church.Mary married Wellborn Jack Dwyer on the 24th of July 1942, during WWII in San Francisco, California and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together.A native Houstonian, she loved her family and friends, was an avid reader, loved history, dancing and working crossword & number puzzles. She was a wonderful person with a beautiful smile and laugh. Mary was a beautiful ray of sunshine to everyone who knew her and she faced her illness with her faith, a strong spirit and a positive attitude.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, "the love of her life", Wellborn Jack Dwyer, infant son, Wellborn Jack Dwyer, Jr., parents, Helen Shine and James Eugene Belk, Sr., brother, J.E. "Gene" Belk, Jr., father-in-law & mothers-in-law, C. A. & Minnie Gaston Dwyer & Roberta Powell Dwyer, brother-in-law, C. A. "Red" Dwyer, Jr, sister-in-law, Gwen Dwyer Pingrey, & nephew, David Alan Dwyer.She is survived by her children Jim & Judy Dwyer, of Frankston, Judy & Art Coen of Katy, grandchildren, Michael Dwyer of Casper Wyoming, Robert & Sarah Dwyer, of Katy, Jason & Noelle Coen of Cypress, Jonathan & Kristina Coen of Houston, Jennifer & Eric Bryla of Fredericksburg, & Ashley Dwyer of Falls Church,Virginia; great-grandchildren Matthew, Zachary, & Hannah Dwyer of Houston, Avery, Jack, Brett & Mallory Dwyer of Katy, Grant & Andrew Coen of Cypress, Nora Coen of Houston, Will Bryla of Fredericksburg, sister, Helen Belk Ledbetter; brother-in-law, William G. "Billy" Dwyer & wife, Margaret Ann; nieces & nephews, Carol Ledbetter Wilson, Craig & Janice Ledbetter, Chuck & Karen Dwyer, Sally & Bill Herrmann and Sherrie Dwyer.The family would like to thank her longtime friend and caregiver, Susie Sanchez Kaess. Also, loving caregivers: Amelia Cruz , Maria Gonzales, Tina Olugboji, Comfort Olaonipekun, Houston Hospice nurse Svanhaniel Crim & Dr. Cindy Zinner.

The funeral service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 19th of October, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. During the noon hour, prior to the funeral, the family will receive guests during a catered reception in the adjacent Pavilion.The interment will immediately follow the service, via an escorted cortege, at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.Honored to serve as pallbearers during the services are her grandchildren, Michael Dwyer, Robert Dwyer, Jason Coen, Jonathan Coen, Jennifer Dwyer Bryla and Ashley Dwyer.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorial contributions in Mary's name may be directed to The Houston Ballet,1921 West Bell St., Houston, 77019; or to Houston Hospice,1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, 77030.