Mary Margaret Marshall George

She was born in Temple, Texas on May 3, 1947 to Schuyler Marshall, III and his wife Clara "Tabby" Barton Marshall, and raised in El Paso. She was taught by example to nurture both her family and her community. Her father was a prominent trial attorney and partner at ScottHulse. She was the great-granddaughter of Dr. Michael P. Schuster of Hungary who immigrated to El Paso as the chief surgeon for the Consolidated Kansas City Smelting and Refining Company, and who later established Providence Hospital in 1902. His wife, Eugenia Schuster, moved the family, including Mary Margaret's grandmother Margaret Schuster Marshall Meyer, into the hospital and served as both nurse and hospital manager. Later, Eugenia founded the Pan American Round Table between El Paso and Juarez, Mexico to improve international relations.

Mary Margaret graduated from the University of Texas in 1969. There she met her husband, William Joseph George. For one of their first dates, Joe invited Mary Margaret to a UT football game but neglected to provide details. Never one to call a boy first, Mary Margaret picked up the phone. "Joe?" she asked. "Yes?" he answered. "This is your conscience. Have you called Mary Margaret to tell her what time you will pick her up on Saturday?" Joe thanked his conscience and promptly called Mary Margaret. Thus began 47 years of love, laughter, and teamwork. They were married at St. Clements Church in El Paso before moving to Austin to begin their life together.

They raised two daughters, Dr. Margaret "Maggie" George Miller, a physician at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland, OR and Tabatha "Tabby" George Marts, an attorney with Fisher Phillips in New Orleans. Mary Margaret brought her humor and ingenuity to motherhood. When the girls were little, she kept an egg timer in the car. Maggie could speak for one minute, Tabby could speak for one minute, and then there was a minute of silence. Mary Margaret showed her daughters the humor in simple things and taught them decency and the excitement of learning. She was a prolific reader who shared and connected with her daughters through that passion. She gave them a blanket of unconditional love and the confidence to excel. Her four young grandchildren brought a new light into her life. They were always delighted by the stickers, cards, and crayons she kept stocked in her "grandmommy" bag.

Many of her closest friendships were cultivated over forty years through her Sewing Club, and she was a founding member of her Book Club. Her dedication to children in Austin was demonstrated through her many years volunteering at the Helping Hand Home where she served as President. She was active with Hospice Austin and served on the Board of the Junior League of Austin. She was a member of the Casis, O.Henry, and Austin High PTAs and was a beloved homeroom mother.

Mary Margaret worked in residential real estate for 15 years. She loved her work and continued even after surviving a cardiac arrest ten years ago. Her determination in her career and in her life was remarkable.

Mary Margaret was smart, fun, funny, and the best friend anyone could ever want. She was perceptive and wise. She made problems seem small and showed the way forward with laughter. She was accepting, generous, and trustworthy.

Mary Margaret is survived by her husband, Joe George; daughter Dr. Maggie George Miller and husband Darris Miller and their children Mary and Clifford of Portland, Oregon; daughter Tabby George Marts and husband Charlie Marts and their children Hattie and Jack of New Orleans; her brothers, Schuyler Marshall, IV and his wife Lila of Dallas and Charles Marshall and his wife Nancy of Timberon, NM and their families. Her parents, Schuyler and Tabby Marshall and sister Frances "Francie" Harvey Sullivan predeceased her.

The service will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Thursday, April 27 at 3:00pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary Margaret's name to Helping Hand Home, 3804 Avenue B, 78751 or to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 3201 Windsor Road, 78703.