Mary Lira

June 7, 1937 - February 8, 2022

Mary Lou Lira, age 84, on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, went home to her Lord and Savior in Meadowlakes, Texas surrounded by her loving daughters. Mary Lou was born on June 7, 1937, in Melvin, Texas to Nolberto Ortiz and Antonia Menchaca Ortiz. After her mother passed away, her stepmother Josefina Ortiz helped raise her with Nolberto. She was a lifelong resident of Brady and graduated from Brady High School. She married Guadalupe R. Lira on September 21, 1957, in Brady, and they spent 62 years in love, life and laughter until his passing on December 16, 2019. Mary Lou was a devout Catholic and member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She was active there, investing her time and energy in the Altar Society, Parish Council, Guadalupanas and even served as church Secretary. Mary Lou loved serving the community as a Deputy Tax Assessor - Collector. It was there that she found a love working elections by overseeing the ballot boxes. She was very active in her children's lives from serving as Band Booster Officer to attending every band and sporting event. She cherished her time spent with the ladies of the Extension Homemakers and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed her love for sewing, embroidery, quilting, crocheting, baking and gardening. Till the end of her life. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Guadalupe, and six siblings, Daniel Ortiz, Nolberto Ortiz, Gregorio Ortiz, Alejandro Ortiz, Aureliano Ortiz and Dora Mireles. Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Theresa Lira, of Brady, Antonia Lira of Meadowlakes, Yvonne Shaw and husband Kyle of Sunrise Beach and Becky Cortez of Meadowlakes, one brother, Carlos Ortiz and wife Elvira of San Antonio; three grandchildren, Monica Smith and husband Houston , Jake Cortez and wife Esmerelda and Alex Shaw, two great-grandchildren, Tatum Smith and Tripp Smith; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM with Rosary starting at 7:00 PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brady. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 14, 2022, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Terry Brenon officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery in Brady. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Brady. Please view Mrs. Lira's online memorial at www.heritagefuneralhomes.com