Mary Ellen "Memaw" Vasquez

“Memaw” Mary Ellen Vasquez, of San Angelo Texas, went to be with our Lord January 27th, 2023, at the age of 79. She was born on July 10th, 1943, in San Angelo to parents Julio and Carmen Torres.

Mary Ellen grew up in the Water Valley area. She graduated from Water Valley High School in 1962. Soon after graduating, she began working at McKnight State TB Hospital, which later became the San Angelo State School. She worked there until she retired in 1997.

On August 24, 1968, she married the love of her life, Ray Vasquez, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. One year later they were blessed with their first daughter, Carmen (Vasquez) Puentez on November 16, 1969. Later they would welcome their second daughter, Linda Vasquez, who was born on February 6, 1974.

Mary Ellen was an active member at St. Therese Catholic church. She was the treasurer every year for St. Therese church festival and would donate her needle point items to the church to help raise money. She was a gift giver and often put herself before others.

A few of her favorite things included cooking during the holidays for her family. She was known for delicious desserts such as her famous pina colada cake and peach cobbler, but the favorite among her grandchildren was her amazing fruit salad.

Mary Ellen had many hobbies. Aside from her beautiful collection of bells, she loved to read and enjoyed crossword puzzles as well as traveling to different places. She loved spending time watching her novellas with her mother (Carmen). During the holidays she enjoyed playing games with her family, and bingo nights with her friends. Basketball was her favorite sport, but Sundays were always for the Cowboys. She attended her daughter and granddaughter’s basketball throughout the years from elementary to high school and always sat in the front row cheering on her favorite players.

Mary Ellen resided in Grape Creek Texas with her husband of 54 years, Ray. She is survived by her daughters, Carmen Cecilia (C.C.) Puentez and Linda Vasquez. Granddaughter Jessica, her husband, Emmanuel Lopez and Grandson Dylan De La Rosa. Her 3 great granddaughters include Emmie Grace Lopez, Carmen Jaide Perez, and Joanna Esme Lopez. Her siblings Richard Torres (Tina), Erlinda Valles, and Josie Martinez (Alvaro) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who she loved dearly.

She is proceeded in death by parents, Julio and Carmen Torres, brother-in-law, Richard Valles, and brother Vito Saucedo.

Rosary for Mary Ellen will be held at Harper Funeral home on February 3, 2023, at 6pm. Funeral Services will be held at St. Margaret’s Catholic church on February 4, 2023, at 11am with burial service to follow at Calvary cemetery. Meal will be at St. Margarets church hall for family and friends after burial.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible. A special thanks to Sam and Nancy Vasquez, Betty Moyer, Aunt Lynn, and Julia Valles for being with us during her final moments in life.