Mary G Contreras

Mary G. Contreras, 59, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 at home while surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Pablo Contreras; adoring mother to Rachel, Pablo, and Olga; cherished Grandmother of Caroline, Gabriel, Adrian, and Olivia.

Born on December 5, 1960 in Tomball, TX, she was the daughter of Ray Garcia, Sr. and the late Virginia Gonazales. She was the oldest child and dear sister of Manuela, Ray, Angela, and Roxanne. She was raised by her paternal grandmother, Ama, who instilled her morals and values.

Mary had a beautiful heart and soul. She had an outgoing personality and loved to laugh. She brought positive energy and always found a reason to smile.

She was immensely proud of her family and was deeply devoted to them. She had love for everyone in her heart and left lasting impacts on the people she met. Mary was a devout Christian. She was an active member of Fairbanks Baptist Church where she volunteered many years in the children's AWANA program. She attended church frequently until her illness no longer allowed her.

Mary was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in February 2016. She underwent intensive chemotherapy. In August 2016, she received a bone marrow transplant from her brother, Ray, which led to her remission. However, 9 months later the Leukemia returned and spread to her brain. Although physicians gave her only two years to live, she battled for four more years. She underwent countless rounds of additional chemotherapy and radiation and with the benefit of trial treatments, she was able to make medical breakthroughs that have and will continue to provide hope for leukemia patients. In 2020, Mary authorized Baylor College of Medicine to publish on her successful response to these trial treatments.

Mary fought a courageous and valiant battle but relapsed in 2020. After additional rounds of new trial treatments, Mary made a choice to live in peace. Despite the suffering and disadvantages caused by her illness, Mary still managed to keep her happy spirit. She was a source of light and will be deeply missed. Mary was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.

She is now at peace in Heaven.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, and in the manner in which you live. We will all die one day; perhaps the winner here is the person who does it under his or her own terms; the person who died peacefully and not at war. Let us focus the life that people enjoyed before being told "you have cancer" and remember them as victors in life, not losers in death. Let us stop letting cancer appear to be the winner." Stuart Scott

This loving woman will forever remain in our hearts and her life is one to be celebrated. A memorial service honoring Mary will be held on Friday, August 28th at 6:00pm; Brookside Funeral Home - Cypress Creek, 9149 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77095.