Mary Schawe

Mary Louise Schawe, 67, a resident of Austin, Texas, died on May 2, 2014, of metastatic breast cancer. Mary Louise was born on January 15, 1947, in Brenham, Texas to Willie H. and Elsie Blum Schawe. She was baptized on February 23, 1947, by her uncle, the Rev. Herman Engeling, in the home of her grandparents. Mary Louise was confirmed at St. Paul''s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham on March 26, 1961, by Rev. Thomas Swygert. Mary Louise graduated from Brenham High in 1964. She received her Bachelor''s degree in English and mathematics in 1968 from the University of Texas in Austin, followed by a Master''s degree in mathematics two years later. Mary Louise was a member of the Lambda Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Austin Retired Teachers Association. She taught mathematics at Webb, Dobie, and Reagan High School in the Austin Independent School District before retiring in 1997. Mary Louise was a long time member of Faith Lutheran Church in Austin where she considered it a privilege to serve her church in numerous capacities. She was a member of the Evangelism and Stewardship Committees, the CDC Board, and the Altar Guild. Faith was an important and special part of her life, and she loved her church home. In addition to her faith being an integral part of her life, Mary Louise Aunt Lease dearly loved and adored her family. They were so special to her, and she was a big part of their lives. Through her pictures, she captured many memories of family and friends. We are all left with those pictures to cherish, along with her kind, thoughtful, and considerate ways. Mary Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Willie H. and Elsie Blum Schawe, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mary Louise is survived by two brothers, R. B. and wife, Beverly, and William and wife, Sandra, all of Brenham. She is also survived by nieces Elizabeth Crow of Spring; Jacquelyn Moore and husband, Doug, of Plantersville; Rebekah McCarty and fiancé, Duane Ahrens, of Brenham; Amanda Finke and husband, Corey, of Brenham; and Suzanne Flasowski and husband, Justin, of Carmine; great-nieces and great-nephews Kaili, Rayce, and Kianna Crow; Scotlon, Schuyler, Sterling, and Starla Moore; Seth McCarty and wife, Allie; Mason and Morgan Finke; and Parker Flasowski; great-great nephew Jaxson McCarty; as well as many loving cousins and friends. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Gil Roebuck, Dr. Brenda Towell, the Breast Cancer Resource Center IV League Group, and to the entire staff at Buckner Villas. The family is also appreciative to the Faith Lutheran Church congregation and to the additional many friends who were so supportive with their prayers, flowers, cards, and visits. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at Faith Lutheran Church, 6600 Woodrow, in Austin, Texas, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Gary Goodson will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Paul''s Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg Cemetery in Brenham, Texas at 4 p.m. Mary Louise will lie in state at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham until 8 p.m., Monday, May 5. Pallbearers will be Corey Finke, Justin Flasowski, Duane Ahrens, Doug Moore, Seth McCarty, and Rayce Crow. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 6600 Woodrow, Austin, Texas, 78757 or to the Breast Cancer Resource Center, P. O. Box 30040, Austin, Texas, 78703. Funeral arrangements for Mary Louise Schawe are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.