Mary Frances McElvany's Obituary
Mary Frances McElvany passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Mary was born on October 23, 1940, in Hugo, Oklahoma. After spending her young years in Oklahoma, Mary's family moved to Texas and settled in Garland. While attending Garland High School, Mary met her husband, Leon, in their high school Spanish class. Mary and Leon were married in 1958 and they remained a devoted couple until Leon's death on December 3, 2000.
During the early years of their marriage, Mary helped support Leon through the completion of his college degree. As their young family grew, Mary began her life-long work as a volunteer. Mary's volunteerism spanned the majority of her life. As a mother, Mary was a Girl Scout troop leader, a Cub Scout den mother, a PTA volunteer, a band mom, and a neighborhood "Welcome Wagon" volunteer.
As her children grew and left the house, Mary's volunteer endeavors continued as she branched out to support other causes that were important to her. She enjoyed serving on the boards of her various women's clubs and was especially fond of dedicating her time to children's causes. Mary's passion for sewing and quilting found a place in the volunteer mix as well. There is no doubt that each organization benefited from her unwavering spirit.
Mary was the proud mother of four children. Three surviving children: Cathy Allshouse, Karen McElvany, and Bryan McElvany. One son, Keith McElvany, predeceased Mary in 2014.
Mary was "Nana" to six grandchildren and she took great pleasure in spending time with them: Shelby Allshouse, Kevin Allshouse, Lindsay Allshouse, Claire Allshouse, Emily Hayward, and Scott Johnson.
The McElvany household was filled with lively family gatherings - whether it was to watch a football game, celebrate a birthday, or celebrate a holiday. The McElvany door was always open and you could count on there being a good meal on the table.
Mary is also survived by two sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a myriad of friends who will all miss her bright smile and that twinkle in her eyes.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that honorary donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association to help fund research to end this awful disease.
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