Mary "Sissy" Louise Dwyer, M.D.

Dr. Mary L. Dwyer, known by all as “Sissy”, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Dwyer Sr. of El Paso, Texas, passed away February 26, 2022. Sissy was predeceased by her brothers, attorneys Sam J. Dwyer, Jr., Patrick Dwyer, John Dwyer and Lawrence Dwyer and her brother Walter Dwyer, M.D.. She was also predeceased by her sisters, attorneys Alice Dwyer and Nancy Howard and journalist, Irene Gaskins. Her bother, William Dwyer, a CPA, recently passed away on May 26,2022. Dr. Dwyer’s only remaining sibling is Dr. Edward Dwyer. Sissy’s children are Irene Pabon Selby (Bryan), Julio Pabon, M.D. (Verneda), and Roxana Pabon Kappmeyer (Chris). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Noah and Kevin Selby, Nicholas and James Pabon, and Roxana and Cristina Kappmeyer . Dr. Dwyer has 1 great grandson, 2 1/2 year old Ryder Lee Crosby -Selby, the love and the light of her life at the end.

Sissy came from pioneer families of both El Paso and San Antonio. Her ancestors include the families of Magoffin, Ascarate, French, Flores, Nordstrom, Stephenson and Leal, and Canary Islanders of San Antonio.

Sissy attended St. Patrick’s Elementary and Loretto Academy high school in El Paso where she graduated valedictorian of her class. Even in grade school, she would assist her father in his various businesses after school.

In 1957 Sissy graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin and applied to medical school. She was accepted into two medical schools, but delayed going to medical school until 1974.

On August 8, 1957 Sissy married Julio Enrique Pabon of Venezuela. They lived in Venezuela for the next 16 years until she returned with her three children to El Paso and entered medical school at the Universidad Autonoma de Cuidad Juarez where she graduated at the top of her class with honors in 1979.

In 1981 she received her medical licenses to practice medicine in Texas, New Mexico and California. Afterwards, she moved with her children to Los Angeles to work with her brother, Dr. Edward Dwyer. She began her medical career during a time when women doctors were not very common, especially Hispanic ones, such as herself.

In the late 1980s, Sissy moved to Austin to be closer to her by then grown children and to start her own family medical practice. When not working, her focus was her children and grandchildren. She retired from practice in 1996 to spend more time with family and especially, spend more time with her grandchildren, Noah and Kevin.

It was because of Sissy’s strong character, work ethic, stamina, intelligence, and drive—which she instilled in all of her children—that not only was she a success, but her family as well. Irene Selby, her daughter, owns Cakes, Chocolates and More. Her son, Dr. Julio Pabon, is a Fertility Specialist. Her daughter, Roxana Kappmeyer, is a successful bookkeeper and short term rental manager.

Sissy will be greatly missed. She had a great undying love for family which showed time and time again, as she filled the role of the strong-willed matriarch that she was.

Sissy, you will be greatly missed. We love you!

A graveside service for Sissy will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas 78731.

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