Mary Winfield McComb went to the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at the age of 90 years old. Mary was born December 16, 1917 in Fort Stockton, Texas. She was the only child of Senator Henry Logan Winfield and Theo Young Winfield. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 45 years, Dr. Asher R. McComb. She is survived by her daughters, Margaret McComb Czar (husband Jay) and Molly McComb Smithfield (husband Craig) and her adored grandchildren, Robert Brooke Hagemeister (wife Amanda), Martha Logan Hagemeister, and Thomas Winfield Pettus-Czar, Justin Czar, Jayme C. Parker (Christian). Mary was also a proud great-grandmother to Asher B. Hagemeister and Wyatt Henry Hagemeister, Hayden Caldes and Hudson Parker. Mary attended Southern Methodist University and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She graduated from Babson School of Business Finance in Boston, M.A., and was married to Asher on April 24, 1943. They settled in San Antonio after Asher returned from WW II, and Mary was very active in politics and the theater, her great love. Mary acted in many productions of the San Antonio Little Theater where she served as President and member of the Board of Directors, and she also was a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee and was Precinct Chairman in Terrell Hills. She served as Chairman of the March on Cerebral Palsy, and was a member of the San Antonio Country Club, Live Oak Garden Club, Bexar County Medical Society Auxiliary, Friday Bridge Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Mary was owner of the Winfield Ranch in Fort Stockton where she won numerous awards for her conservation efforts. She also earned her pilot's license in Fort Stockton during WWII. Mary loved to travel and was able to enjoy many trips with Asher and their numerous friends. She visited every continent except for Antarctica, and traveled to her favorite city, Hong Kong, five times. Mary was well-known for her sense of humor and story-telling, and her magnetic presence and dynamic personality will be dearly missed by her family and friends. One of Mary's great and proudest accomplishments was her autobiography The Mary Go-Round. This book brought much reading pleasure to so many. Margaret and Molly wish to extend special thanks to Mary's loving caregivers, who enabled her to remain in her home until the end. Their professional and compassionate care gave her the dignity she deserved in her final years. They are Minerva Ramirez, Teresa Pesina, Lucy Cruz, Paula Ramos, Bobbie Kite, and Rose Quintanilla. Mary's housekeeper of 40 years, Sylvia Rico (now retired), was also considered a member of the family and a loyal friend. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Brad Shipman and his nurse, Kim T., of Nix Alamo Heights, who helped Mary maintain her health and independence for many years. They are also grateful to Odyssey Hospice and Nurses Danny Fraley, Glenda Anderson, and Yvonne Barbee for their concern and care, as well as to former caregivers Patricia Ramirez. MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY AUGUST 30, 2008 2:00 P.M. PORTER LORING CHAPEL The Rev. Doug Earle officiating. The family request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice. Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. James E. Pridgen, John Joseph, Jerry Letch, Richard T. Brady, Ray Strauch, John Ghrist, Phil Christa, Greg G. Griffin, Mack Burns and Larry Burns. Mary will be buried in Fort Stockton, Texas.
