Maria Graciela "Mary" Marin

Maria “Mary” Marin or “Chela” as her family knew her of Harker Heights, TX passed away Monday May 6, 2024, surrounded by her family. A viewing will be held Friday May 17, 2024, from 6-8 pm at Harper-Talasek 506 N 38th St Killeen, TX.

Services for Maria Graciela Marin will be held 11 am Saturday May 18, 2024, at St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church 1000 E FM 2410 Rd. Harker Heights, TX. Immediately after, the graveside burial at the Killeen Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Paul Parish Center Harker Heights, TX.

Mary was born in Mission, TX on October 17, 1948, to Jesus and Marta Hernandez. Mary (Chela) married Leovardo Marin on October 20,1961. They started their life together in Florence, TX before planting their roots in Harker Heights, TX where they raised their two daughters, Virtudes (Vicky) and Margarita (Maggie) and one son, Rene Santos. Mary found a career and identity in helping others. She worked in various positions in the KISD school district where she retired after 32 years of service. After retiring from KISD Mary went to work for     St. Paul Catholic Church for ten years before transitioning to a volunteer throughout the church. She was one of the founding members of the Ladies of Charity and an avid parishioner for the church for over 30 years.

Graceful and highly favored Mary led a life filled with gratitude. Her joy came from helping, inspiring, and bringing smiles to others. Often called the Life of the Party, she enjoyed music and found dancing to be her ultimate form of expression. Mary loved gardening, making floral arrangements, arts, and crafts, and decorating for the holidays. She frequently hosted gatherings and celebrations where she could spend quality time with her family. Family unity was sacred to her, and she had immense joy in having her loved ones close. She cherished traveling with her husband Lalo (Leo Marin). After 63 years of marriage they took pride in the life and family they had built together. Throughout her life she was never alone, as her husband stood by her side until her last moments.

Mary is survived by her husband, Leovardo Marin, her children, Margarita (Maggie) Sullivan and husband, Randy, Virtudes (Vicky) White, and Rene Santos and wife, Magally. Her grandchildren, Ashley Slaven, Randi Rodriguez, Rowdy Hurst, Zachary Sullivan, Cody and Alex Santos, as well as eight great grandchildren. Her siblings, Aurelio, Jesus, Martin, Ana, Oralia, and Rosa. There was always a special place in Chela’s heart for her in-laws, the Marin family who are like her brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Proceeded in passing by her grandson, Robert “Tubby” Marin, 2 great-grandchildren, Robert Antiono Allman, and Faith Rodriguez. Her brother, Ray Hernandez, sister, Guadalupe Smith, and her parents, Jesus and Marta Hernandez.

Mary (Chela) will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. We will honor her legacy by celebrating life and showing love to each other, just as she would have wished.