Mary Jane Contreras

Devoted mother and grandmother Mary Jane Contreras passed away on February 20, 2021, after a short illness. Born on May 27, 1952 in Ganado, Texas, she graduated from Palacios High School. She later moved to Houston, where she worked and retired from MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Materials Management Department.

One of ten children, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her sister Delores Webber and her parents Jose and Theresa Contreras. She is lovingly remembered by her brother Joe and wife Virginia Contreras; brother Ray and wife Gloria Contreras; brother Lee Contreras; brother John and Vicky Contreras; Sister Sabina and husband Sonny Tristan; sister Mary Ann Kerns; sister Stella and husband Jesse Briseno; sister Mary D'Agostino; daughter Lucy and husband Ramon Arevalo; daughter Melissa Olivarez; and a granddaughter and three grandsons.

Mary Jane’s greatest happiness was being an amazing grandmother to her granddaughter Brianna and grandsons Isaiah, Nathaniel, and Leo. She lavished attention on the children and always made them feel important and cared for. Mary Jane enjoyed feeding them after school and making cookies for them, especially at Christmas. Another favorite pastime was coloring with her grandchildren; she simply relished her role as their grandmother.

She enjoyed getting dressed up and wearing make-up. Mary Jane delighted in all celebrations and absolutely loved listening to music. A breast cancer survivor, she was very proud of her independence and often traveled out of town to visit family and high school friends. Mary Jane was a gifted cook and was known for her delicious enchiladas, deviled eggs, and sweet tea. She often jotted notes in notebooks, capturing her thoughts and memories.

Mary Jane will be dearly missed by family and friends. Her beautiful life and devotion to family will forever be treasured, as we fondly remember our loving mother and grandmother.