Mary L. Perkins

Mary exceeded in academics at Sam Houston High School, graduating as class Salutatorian, earning numerous scholarships that enabled her to attend college. She attended the University of Houston earning her Bachelor’s degree within a three year span in Education and Speech Pathology. She was chosen as a member for the first cohort of bilingual administrators and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Administration. She then became Assistant Principal at Franklin Elementary for over a decade, and later transferred to R.P. Harris from where she retired after 40 years in Education.

She was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. She was a leader of the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, member of the choir, church lector, member of the advisory board, bazaar committee, and Women’s Guild.

She was an incredible resource of knowledge and energy. Mary was a loyal friend to many, and a tireless giver whether financially, emotionally, or as a neighborhood taxi. She helped others become home owners by offering financial assistance. This was one of her ways of providing charity to others. Her passions including gardening, reading, and volunteering her time at St. Augustine Catholic School where two of her grandchildren attended school. She enjoyed traveling to countries afar with her family.

She was an incredibly loving mother to her children and their families. She resided with one of her daughters the last few years of her life. She is survived by her children, Veronica Cox (Kevin), Laura Weber (Steven), Kelley Leija-Guzman (Rick), and Gil Leija (Angela) and grandchildren, Mark Cheramie, D’Ann Lindsey, Adrian & Avery Weber, Benjamin Guzman, Gabriella Guzman, Joshua Leija, Jeremiah Leija and John Paul Leija, and three great-grandchildren.

Since retiring she has had the pleasure of re-connecting with many former students from her years as an educator and administrator. Mrs. Perkins was well recognized, fondly remembered, and highly respected by many. The family of Mary Perkins is extremely grateful for all the love and support that they have received during this difficult time.

A Mass will be held Friday, May 22nd at St. Augustine Catholic Church at 10:30am. Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel-Crespo on Broadway, also on May 22nd from 5-9pm. Mary will be buried on May 23rd at Houston National Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.