Mary Louise Curtis

Mary Louise Curtis of Austin, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on December 16, 2016, at the age of 88. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Mary was also a noted artist whose watercolors and paintings hang in many public buildings and private collections.

Mary’s life began in Houston as the daughter of Frank and Louise Burtle. Her mother died a few years later, leaving her an orphan because her seafaring father could not take care of her. She was taken in by her uncle, Dr. Tom White, the town dentist of Sonora, Texas, and his wife Willie Maude (Aunt Bill). Mary often spoke fondly of her childhood in Sonora and she maintained many friendships there throughout her life including her dear friend Jodie Finklea. During her high school years, she lived in Ganado and El Campo, Texas with Aunt Bill and her family, Lucius (Luke) and Annette Sanford. After graduating from high school in El Campo, she enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. While she was a freshman at UT, she attended an ROTC dance where a dashing young navy ensign named Bob Curtis swept her off her feet. They married in 1946, moved to Los Angeles, then back to Texas where Bill, their only child, was born. In 1950, they settled permanently in Austin. In 1957, Mary and Bob bought a house on Lake Austin in the rural community of River Hills where they lived for over 30 years. They remained happily married for 59 years until Bob’s death in 2005.

After raising her family and doing clerical work for 15 years, Mary decided it was time to complete her education and pursue her own dreams. She enrolled at St. Edward’s University, graduating with honors at age 50 with a degree in interior design and a newly discovered passion for art and architectural illustration. After graduation, she continued to develop her artistic talents and painted prolifically for the next 30 years. Her art celebrated the details of nature, people, and historic structures that no camera can see. She achieved notoriety for historically accurate penline watercolors of buildings, authentically recreated through rigorous research into old photos, archives, and personal accounts. In recognition of her unique fusion of detail and sensitivity, she became the first artist honored by the 1986, Texas Sesquicentennial Commission. Mary is a lifetime member of the Austin History Center and also a member of the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Balcones Canyonlands Nature Preserve. She introduced hundreds of others to art through her workshops, lectures, gallery talks, radio interviews, and television appearances. Mary’s success as an artist proves that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

Mary is survived by her son, Bill and his wife Marcia of Austin; grandson, Evan Curtis of McAllen, his wife, Catherine, and their two daughters Kate and Christine; granddaughter, Megan Olsen of Austin, her husband, Carl Olsen, and their daughter, Florence. Her two grandchildren and three great granddaughters brought immense joy to Mary’s life and she loved them dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, January 14, 2017, in the Library at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, 78739, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center or the Balcones Canyonlands Nature Preserve.