Mary Frances De Loache

Born in Dallas on September 7, 1926, Mary Frances Kennedy De Loache passed away peacefully on July 3, 2023, with family members by her side. A life long Dallasite, she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1943, and from the University of Texas in Austin in 1946, at the age of 19. She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Not long after meeting James Ira De Loache at a milk punch social, they were married and quickly had 6 children under their wings. For many happy years together they enjoyed travel (often with the Dallas Associates), cards, golf at Brook Hollow Golf Club, Horseshoe Bay, and around the country. Hunting and fishing at Coon Creek Club in Athens, TX and the Channels Ranch in Ennis, MT provided years of enjoyment with their family and friends.

Mom was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Dallas. She was a past president of the Founders Club, the Lide Spragins Review Club, the Standard Club, Junior League Garden Club, the BHGC Ladies Golf Association, and with her husband enjoyed being members of the Gambado Club – she was a good dancing partner!

Mary Frances was a devout Catholic and participated in many of her children’s school activities at Christ the King, Ursuline Academy, and Jesuit. She was proud of her 6-year commitment to Bible Study Fellowship, and then continued Bible Study at her beloved St. Rita, where she had been a member for over 50 years and sang in the choir for 19 of those years.

We always knew where we stood with Mom, because she was honest, disciplined, generous, smart, and of the highest moral values, which she has tried to instill in her family. And she never lost a game of ‘Ghost’.

She was predeceased by her third child, Thomas Duncan De Loache, her husband of 57 years, James Ira De Loache, and also by her parents, W.D. and Mary Kennedy, and her 4 brothers – Tom, W.D. (Bill), Franklin, and Durkin Kennedy. Surviving members include her children and their spouses, Louise De Loache Wilbanks and Rick, James Averill De Loache and Kate (Ritchie), Mary De Loache Terry and Mike, John Slaughter De Loache and Susan (Blashill), and William (Bill) Jordan De Loache and Rebecca (Seale). She also leaves 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

We want to thank the third floor Edgemere Plaza doctors, nurses, aides, housekeeping, staff, and concierge group who all helped Mom to feel comfortable and cared for in her nearly 3 years living there. She appreciated ALL that you did for her, as did we, her family.

On Monday, July 10, a visitation will be held at 6:30 at St. Rita Catholic Church, followed by the Holy Rosary at 7:15. On Tuesday, July 11, there will be a Memorial Mass celebrated at St. Rita Catholic Church at 11:30. Reception to follow at Dallas Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to St. Rita Catholic Church, Jesuit College Prep, Ursuline Academy, or any charity of your choice.