Mary Marte Guida

had her wish granted on January 30, 2023, after courageously battling dementia-- a cruel irony for a woman sharp as tack throughout her life.

Mary Marte Dumas, was born on 9/17/35 in the borough of Queens, NY. Her parents, Renee Dumas and Lucy Riopel were French Canadians who married, and who had four girls-- Alice, Pauline, Bernadette, and Mary. When Mary was around six years’ old, the family moved from Queens to Brooklyn. Mary spoke only French until she started elementary school, but she quickly learned English, and graduated from Lincoln High in Brooklyn. When Mary was twenty, she met John Guida, who was at that time a student at City College of New York. They married and moved to Houston, Texas, where John was starting his career in the export/import business. They had two children, Laraine and John.

Mary never met a stranger. Her gift was the ability to make everyone feel at home and comfortable. Every little kid adored her. Her children describe her as the best mom on earth and their friends always seemed to feel at home in Mary’s house. Laraine says Mary is her hero, and she and John credit her for instilling in them honesty, courage, and a remarkable work ethic.

Mary will be missed by daughter Laraine, son John, grandchildren Anthony and Kristin, son-n law Doug, daughter-in-law Michelle, and a multitude of other relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank Age of Central Austin for their help when Mary was struggling with dementia, and Hospice Austin who were there for her in her final days. A private celebration of Mary’s life will be planned for a future date.