Mary Ann Delmer

Mary Ann (Jackson) Delmer was born on September 16, 1932, in White Oak, Texas. She passed away in San Antonio on July 27, 2023, having spent her last few days with her loving family around her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Merle Wade Delmer, her parents Mr. and Mrs. Earl Chaffin Jackson (Mary) and brother, Earl Chaffin Jackson, Jr.

Her life can be summarized by two words: passion and joy. She had a passion for life and brought joy to everyone who had the privilege to know her.

She had a passion for music. Mary Ann attended White Oak High School where she was Drum Major and clarinet player for the renowned Roy Swicegood White Oak Band which performed at three Cotton Bowls and additionally at Yankee Stadium in NYC. They were the Texas Interscholastic League Contest 1st division in multiple divisions and were winners of the Sweepstake Award in class AA and were the first organization that competed with schools whose enrollment was two classifications higher than its own.

She had a passion for caring for others. Upon graduation Mary Ann enrolled and excelled at Parkland Memorial Hospital, where, as a student nurse, she met and fell in love with a handsome young medical student, Merle Delmer. Mary Ann Jackson and Merle Wade Delmer were married May 15th of 1953. The newlyweds remained in Dallas where Mary Ann completed her nursing degree and Merle finished his M.D., which led them to the decision to broaden their experience at a larger arena, so they moved to New York City and joined the staff at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Mary Ann continued working as an Operating Room Nurse and Merle as a resident in Pathology. Two Texans in New York City soon became a novelty, and they enjoyed success and great friendships as both their careers blossomed- Mary Ann as the Texas OR Nurse who had been a favorite in Dallas of famous Heart Surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, and Merle became an Instructor at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1962, with the birth of their first son, Robin, the couple decided it was time to return to Texas, and found their new home in San Antonio, Texas where the family of 3 quickly grew to a family of 7 with the addition of Lisa, Jon, Susan, and Sam.

She had a passion for art. Mary Ann loved taking photographs of her family and quickly fell in love with photography, using her voracious appetite for knowledge to teach herself not only the principles of how to take an excellent photograph, but also how to process her own rolls of film and created a dark room to develop her own prints. She worked as a backup photographer with professional photographer Diane Gentry, taught photography at both Cambridge Elementary School and Alamo Heights Junior School, and one of her pictures, Kissing Pigs, was purchased in auction for several thousand dollars in the 1970s.

She had a passion for antiques. Merle and Mary Ann loved to find treasuries and his passion for antiques infected Mary Ann. She developed a deep love and even deeper knowledge of antiques, considered a resident expert on numerous types of antiquities - antique toys, sterling, Mexican silver, mourning jewelry, and of course her passion for photography was explored through daguerreotypes, glass negatives, and the books and prints. She had a keen eye and a thirst for knowledge. Mary Ann opened two antique stores and was known for her honest and knowledgeable dealings. You could frequently find Mary Ann at local Estate Sales looking for her next treasure.

She defined joy and brought that gift into every life she met. Mary Ann was known for her boundless energy and her bright smile. When standing in line at the grocery store or watching one of the endless team practices, music and dance recitals, or attending school functions, she would always share a kind word or a funny story with anyone she met. Mary Ann loved taking her beloved children and grandchildren to the zoo, festivals, fairs, and museums, she was a devoted mother and dear friend to many, her joie de vivre was infectious and their home in Olmos Park became a hub for many friends and family. The Delmers were known for always having room for a surprise friend at our table, or a late-night chat with Mary Ann.

She made this world a better place and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her children Robin Delmer and his wife Vanessa, Lisa McNeill, Jonathan Delmer and his wife Jennifer, Susan Delmer Smith, and Samuel Delmer and his wife Jane; her grandchildren Koble, Weldon, Cecilia, and Paxton Delmer, Shaw and Bryn McNeill, Corbin Smith, and Sam, Caroline, and Margo Delmer; and her great grandchild Severus McNeill.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, August 4, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 4, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A committal service will occur Friday, August 4, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer Association or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Delmer family.