Mary Lou Dally

Mary Lou Diou Dally, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully at her home on November 19, 2012 at 8:12pm at the age of 90. She was born on December 20, 1921 to Emile Alexander Diou of Marseilles, France and Teresa Rigal Diou of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Mary Lou, known as Lupita, was raised in Laredo and graduated from Martin High School in 1940. She is predeceased by her husband, Arturo Porfirio Dally, and her brothers Jesus, Joseph & Emile Diou and her only sister Alice Diou Lozano.

Mary Lou, along with husband Arturo, raised 7 children in Laredo. She served at Laredo Air Force Base in the finance department as an accounting technician with the Federal Civil Service for 19 years. In 1974 she was transferred to Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas for an additional 3 years. In 1977 she retired from the Federal Civil Service with a total of 22 years of dedicated service. Upon retirement, Mary Lou and her husband moved to Austin in 1977, and soon after became very active and involved at St. Ignatius Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

In 1982, Mary Lou and her husband moved to Bastrop, Texas. She was very instrumental in helping build the Bastrop Chapter of the Ladies of Charity, where she served one term as its president and actively participated later on other committees. Mary Lou was also an active member of the Ascension Church parish. One could see her involvement with the church festival, especially in the kitchen making kolaches or @ the country food booth during the annual festivals. Among her many other Christian duties, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, both in church and to the sick & elderly outside of church, was an Altar Server and last , but not least, delivered Meals on Wheels. Mary Lou also worked with the Cancer Society by transporting patients to and from Bastrop.

On March 29, 1994, Mary Lou and her husband were recognized by Bishop McCarthy of the Diocese of Austin as key leaders for their leadership and dedication in both the Austin & Bastrop Christian Catholic Communities.

In April of 1996, Mary Lou and her husband moved to Grand Prairie, Texas where they were a faithful member of St. Michael the Archangel Church. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in March of 2006.

Anyone that knew Mary Lou knew that she was a very well loved, caring, hard working, and respected lady. No matter where she went or what she did, her smile and warm embrace captured the individual. She was firm, but fair and her family respected that. As a lady of principal and integrity she taught her family by example. Her smile, charm and charisma will truly be missed.