Mary Adrianne Brower

Mary Adrianne Brower, 77, of Harlingen, Texas, passed into the arms of her Savior on September 9, 2023. Mary was born on February 6, 1946 to Adrian J. and Eleanor G. Brower in Mercedes, Texas. She was the youngest child and was always the apple of her Daddy’s eye. She was preceded in death by both her parents, her oldest sister Nancy B. Walters, and her beloved brother Stephen M. Brower.

Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Bettie Brower; her nephews, Stephen Walters, and Stephen Carl Brower; her nieces Susan Kimber, Eron Granneman, and Sarah Sneed.

Mary was truly a “great” aunt as she leaves behind 10 great nephews and nieces, and 9 great-greats!

Mary is also survived by her dear little dog, Terra, who was her faithful companion for many years. They were inseparable and brought much joy to everyone who met them.

Mary had a varied and successful professional life. She worked many years as an educator, first as a teacher and coach in San Antonio, and later as a much respected principal of new Pathways Center, a school for children with severe behavior problems.  She also put her teaching career on hold to join her father, Adrian, in running the family printing business. During those years she became involved in Zonta International, a professional women’s organization. An active member for over 30 years, she held many local and District offices, notably both Director of Area III and Governor of District X, an area comprised of 32 Zonta Clubs in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and northern Mexico. She received many awards for her service, including Zontian of the Year several times.

Mary always had a love of education and spent her life always striving to improve her knowledge in order to sever others.  A graduate of Mercedes high school in 1964, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree.  She earned her master’s degree in 1976 from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her Doctorate in Education Administration in 2000. To prepare for a future of working with disadvantaged and delinquent children, Mary completed a program at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. Even in retirement, Mary continued her pursuit and completed the program of Theological Education for Ministry from the University of the South School of Theology in 2019.

Mary’s life was one of service to her community and neighbors and nowhere was it more evident than in her service to her beloved church St. Albans Episcopal Church in Harlingen. She considered it her family. A member for many decades, Mary served on the church’s vestry and was a lay reader. Her heart was always in pastoral care.  Mary was a deacon and spent many hours visiting the sick and shut in and giving them Communion. In later years, she was accompanied by her little dog Terra, who was and remains a favorite part of her ministry.

Mary loved to serve others but she may best remembered for her love of everything Fun!! Mary never pretended to be a saint, and she delighted in later years of regaling anyone who would listen of her shenanigans of her youth. She loved her Dallas Cowboys fiercely and watched and cheered with “salty” enthusiasm! Mary also loved to travel. She visited China and climbed the Great Wall, toured Europe with her sister Nancy, and made many trips to California to visit her sister’s family. Most of all, she enjoyed taking cruises, especially to the Caribbean.  Her favorite traveling companions were her dear friends Jan and Penny, both of whom preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank Mary’s friends for their great love and support of her, especially in the last few years.     We are also grateful to the staff of both John Knox Village in Weslaco and Golden Palms Retirement Center in Harlingen for their loving care of Mary.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Harlingen.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a service organization of your choice.