Mary Lou Dueñez

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother Mary Lou "Licha" Duenez. Mary Lou was an amazing person, Mother, Spouse, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Aunt.

She gently and peacefully passed away at the home of her son Oscar Jr. and daughter in law Cheryl on May 23, 2024.

Mary Lou was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. While attending Bowie High School she met the love of her life Oscar Duenez, Sr. and were married for 55 years. She was a devout Catholic a member of the San Ignatius Catholic parish and the Little Flower parish in the Lower Valley.

Mary Lou was a lifelong resident of El Paso, Texas. Born July 1, 1937 to her parents Joe Garcia and Mercedes Ramirez. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had been living in Albuquerque, New Mexico the last two years.

Mary Lou, the "Matriarch" of the Duenez family was always there for family and the many friends in her life. When any family member, friend and even strangers would ask her for help of any kind she was always there for them.

Mary Lou retired after twenty seven years working for the Texas Employment Commission. But her retirement was cut short when her life long friend Mrs. Salazar, principal at Ysleta Pre-School recruited her to be a school bus monitor for her four and five year olds attending the pre-school.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband Oscar Sr., daughter Norma D Zavala, parents Joe and Mercedes, sister Estela Bustillos, brother Danny Navejas. She is survived by son Oscar (Cheryl), grand daughters Melanie Prangner (Anthony), Myndi Zavala(Renee), Grandson Alex Zavala, Sister Irene M Acosta(Noelle Murillo), Great Granddaughters Kenady and Kassady Herrera, Brother in laws Ruben(Martha)Bobby(Rosa) Duenez, Sister in law Martha(Beto) Concha and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

While she is no longer with us in person, Mary Lou's spirit now rest with God. Leaving behind a legacy of Love, Strength and Compassion. May her memory and Spirit remain in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

A visitation for Mary Lou will be held Monday, June 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Drive, El Paso, TX 79915. A rosary will occur Monday, June 10, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 1060 North Carolina Drive, El Paso, TX 79915. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Ignatius of Loyola Parish, 408 Park St, El Paso, TX 79901. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Mt Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907.