She is preceded in death by her husband of over 55 years, Federico Rivera Alaniz. She grew up in the old Little Mexico neighborhood on the edge of downtown Dallas and graduated from North Dallas High School in 1949.
Marie was a stay at home mother until her youngest child began kindergarten. She then became a volunteer at St. Ann's school. When St. Ann's closed she volunteered at Holy Trinity school and eventually became a certified teacher's aide. She was the recipient of numerous certifications and awards in that field. She always loved children and had a bottomless reserve of patience with them.
Her smile always seemed to reassure them. Because of those gifts, she was assigned to tutor young children in math and language skills.
Years after her retirement, many of her former students would recognize her in a store and sheepishly introduce themselves and their children to her. She would invariably remember every single one of them. These encounters were always a source of great joy to her.
For many years she and her husband Fred were deeply involved in the Catholic Church supporting the work and many projects of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart/Virgin de Guadalupe Parish. She also taught First Communion and Confirmation classes at the parish. She had many close friend from both her childhood and her long association with the Guadalupe Church.
She enjoyed sewing and for years entered items into the Arts and Crafts competition of the State Fair of Texas. She won many levels of ribbons for her submissions over the years. Marie loved the fine arts and all music, especially classical music. She cultivated and instilled this appreciation in all of her children.
Marie is survived by her children: Daniel Ray Alaniz and wife Rosalba, Steve Alaniz and wife Roberta Luxbacher, Diana Marie Bueno and partner Chad Hale, and Edward James Alaniz.
Grandchildren: Tiffany Anne Alaniz, Jose Guadalupe Bueno and wife Lisa, Carlos Daniel Guerra, Elena Marie Valdez and husband Adrian, Rachel Ann Alaniz and husband Matthew Pilnik, Daniel Federico Alaniz and wife Rebecca, Nathan John Alaniz, Veronica Gallegos and partner David Glenn, and Rico Ray Alaniz. Great grandchildren: Whitley Marie Schroeder, Alexi Alvarado Bueno, Dean Collin Maxwell, Clark Jose Aaron Bueno, Leonardo Glenn, Samuel David Valdez, Michelangelo Glenn, and Greer Grace Pilnik. Marie is also survived by her sister Marie Louise Hall and husband Eddy and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please donate supplies to an Early Childhood program or to a Preschool class in the school of your choice.
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