Just after Christmas in 1940, the marvelous Mary Moran was born in Wichita Falls. A true Texan at heart, Mary also had a profound passion for the mountains, spending many idyllic summers in her beloved Estes Park. There, she reveled in horseback riding and competed as a barrel racer.
Despite her proclaimed aversion to marrying doctors, Mary found her soulmate in Ted Basden, M.D., Ph.D. They shared a love of fine dining, college football, traveling, and socializing with their dear friends for almost 40 years in Houston.
Mary reared her four children with grace, understanding, and wisdom. Her kindness and compassion knew no bounds unless you had crossed one of her "chickens."
Mary's role as "Mimi" was one of her greatest joys. She showered her precious grandchildren, Barron and Greyson, with boundless love and attention.
A member of Mensa, Mary kept her acuity sharp by being a devoted crossword puzzler and Wordle enthusiast. She had a mastery of the English language and a memory like a steel trap, often outperforming contestants on Jeopardy. Sorry, Ken Jennings!
Her intelligence, wit, and charm made her the most captivating presence in any room. She showed an extraordinary interest in other people's lives and well-being. She was affectionately revered as "the Queen" by those who cherished her.
Mary's family is forever grateful for the expertise and care she received from medical professionals who kept her "fluffed up" over the years. Special thanks go to Dr. Gustavo Rivero, who cared for Mary as a physician and a friend, and to her dedicated caregiver, Megan Taylor.
To honor Mary's memory, please perform an act of kindness for a friend, a stranger, or an animal. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or the Humane Society.
Mary will be dearly missed by those fortunate enough to have known her.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, W.J. and Gertrude Moran; her sister, Betty Rice, and Betty's husband, Charlie; and her brother, Richard J. Moran, and his wife, Eugenia. Mary is survived by her husband, Edwin Basden, M.D., Ph.D., and her children: Colleen Carnes Quenzel and her husband, Earl; Catherine Carnes Woolley; Kristin Moran Fagan; and Greg Andrew Basden and his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Barron and Greyson.
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