Mary Bennett, born September 27, 1939, in Tuscaloosa, AL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Aileen Propes, her husband Dr. Michael Bennett and her brother Richard Propes and his wife Sook Propes.

She is survived by her brother John Propes and his wife Feli and by her sister Barbara Turner and her husband Sam; sons Byron and wife, Diane; Marc and wife Susan; Daniel and wife Emily and daughter Heather and husband Bill Mobley; grandchildren Audrey and her husband Christian De la Cruz, Hilary, Alexander and his wife Caroline, Olivia, Clint, Michael and Charlotte; great-granddaughter Carolyn Rose De La Cruz, and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating high school at the age of 15 Mary attended Eastern New Mexico University and quickly graduated at the age of 18.

Mary met her husband of 54 years, Dr. Michael Bennett, at Baylor Medical School in Houston, TX and the couple married in 1960. Along with raising her young children, Mary was an excellent pianist who always challenged herself with classical works by Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, and Bach, interspersed with her fondness of Brubeck, Joplin, and the Beatles. Mary was eventually drawn back to the medical field. Mary acquired a nursing license while living in Massachusetts and there began her nursing career. After the family moved to Dallas in 1981 Mary continued to work as an RN at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital and then eventually moved to Parkland ER where she often served as charge nurse and enjoyed all the action and excitement of saving lives. During this time Mary acquired a master's degree at Southern Methodist University in humanities where she broadened her understanding of the arts. Mary eventually retired from nursing to care for her husband at age 70.

One of Mary's unique qualities was her sunny disposition, inner strength, kindness and sense of gratitude. These traits became more evident after she became sober in 1988.

Mary was a generous mother and grandparent, always loving their fashionista trips together to the mall.

After her husband's passing, Mary became active taking classes at Collin Community College creating art and poems and pursuing various interests. Mary was involved in the Blue Tsunami, mahjong, and AA. She spent most days at the gym and as a regular figure at the neighborhood Starbucks. Her passion for life, music, literature, art and family stand as an inspiration. She lived each moment to its fullest until her very last day.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association