Tributes

Mary Anne Ray Heard was born on September 20, 1946 in Fort Worth, Texas to Mary Beatrice "Bea" and Mac Ray. She passed away on November 1, 2015 after a courageous three-year battle with ovarian cancer. Mary was a proud seventh generation Texan and a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Regarded as a star by her peers from an early age, she was elected the first Miss Paschal of Paschal High School in 1965. She graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government in 1969. At the University, she was president of the Panhellenic Council and an Orange Jacket. Mary held a Masters of Arts in History from Saint Mary's University and a Masters in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Mary briefly taught high school history and civics, and practiced psychotherapy for over twenty years as licensed clinical social worker. As a psychotherapist, she helped individuals and families at Jewish Family Services, Methodist Healthcare Psychiatric Units, the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health, and in her private practice. She joined the Texas Society for Clinical Social Work in 1993 and quickly became a valued member of their Board of Directors. She became a Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners Clinical Supervisor, and, in that role, supervised graduate level social workers pursuing clinical licenses. In 1990, Mary was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame for volunteerism. Mary was a lifelong learner. She enjoyed history, literature, psychology, gardening and art. She frequently engaged in lengthy discussions with her friends and family regarding these topics. Mary was known to be a crafty Scrabble player and sometimes could be found playing two hands against herself just for the challenge. Her favorite interests were always her children and grandchildren. Mary was a devoted member of Our Reading Club, Live Oak Garden Club, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, the Board of Visitors for McDonald Observatory, the SA 100, the International Women's Forum, Club Giraud and the Argyle. Mary's survivors are her daughters Mary Elizabeth Heard, Eleanor Heard Gilbane and her husband Daniel Monroe Gilbane, Susan Oliver Heard, and grandchildren Daniel Monroe Gilbane Jr., Beatrice Heard Gilbane and Mary Oliver Gilbane. Additional survivors include her sister Susan Ray, her brother William Harrison Ray and his wife Marla, her brother-in-law John Robert Heard and his wife Pat, and nephew John Robin Heard. Mary also had numerous friends whom she loved dearly for their colorful personalities, steadfast support and caring love. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of thirty years, Oliver S. Heard Jr., and by her parents. Mary's grandchildren knew her as "Mimi." She will be missed dearly. A rosary will be held at Saint Anthony de Padua at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5. Mass will be held the following morning at 10:30 a.m. with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center to the Mary and Oliver Heard Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Tributes

Mary Heard

September 20, 1946 - November 1, 2015