Mary Alice Ziegler

Mary Alice Ziegler passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2014. She was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her four children, Daniel, Paul (Peg), Mary Claire Gerwels (Joe), and James (Vangie) and seven grandchildren. Dan, her husband of 53 years, preceded her in death. Mary Alice met Dan when they were in college at what is now Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. They lived in Chicago, IL, Madison, WI and then moved to Austin in 1961 when Dan took a position as a professor in the chemistry department at the University of Texas. The Austin area was her home for more than 50 years.

She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 4, 1928 (St. Francis of Assisi Day). In college, she majored in chemistry but also loved to play the piano and organ. She enjoyed music her entire life and sang in the St. Louis Catholic Church choir for many years. Mary Alice devoted her life to helping others, working over 40 years with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and with Lifeline for crisis pregnancies, assisting those less fortunate. She received numerous awards for her volunteer activities, including those from Austin Sertoma, the Corporation for Community Housing, and the KVUE Five Who Care.

Even with her community service, she was first and foremost a loving and supportive mother and wife. She volunteered in all the activities in which her children were involved; seamstress for Austin Ballet Theater, den mother for the Cub Scouts, timer for the Austin Aquatic Club, to name just a few. She drove in endless carpools, and when asked where she lived she would say, "I live in a blue station wagon".

Mary Alice has made a difference in many lives. She was outgoing and friendly and always saw the best in everyone. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, PO Box 9070, Austin, TX, 78766.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 1, at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd. Rosary will be at 9AM, followed by family visitation at 9:30, with Mass beginning at 10:30. Internment will immediately follow at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr.