Mary Louise Lowry Crelia

Mary Louise Lowry Crelia, 72 of Lorena, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024 in Waco, Texas. Though we are deeply saddened by our own loss, we greatly rejoice in her gain; knowing she is healed and resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mary was born August 9, 1951. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended Menlo-Atherton High School in Menlo Park, California, but lived most of her life right here in Central Texas. She filled her days with many passions and hobbies; but she especially enjoyed cross-country road trips, antiquing, long talks with friends, and admiring the Texas wildflowers in the spring. Mary considered everyone she loved to be a member of her family, including her two beloved dogs (and many more throughout the years). Mary delighted in being “Yaya” and “Gramee” to her five “Grandsugars” and provided a listening ear and endless love and support to her children, friends, and family.

She pursued many professional interests throughout her life, including modeling for Pacific Telephone & Telegraph (Pacific Bell) as a young child, becoming a partner in Lorena Realty as a real estate agent, and employing her gifts of empathy and compassion by working with seniors as a certified nursing assistant at a senior mental health facility.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Eldon A Lowry and Evelyn G Lowry, as well as her brother, Robert Parker. She is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Thomas Crelia, and their children David Lee Crelia and partner Regina Perkins, Damon Allen Crelia and partner David Haragan, and Candace Rene Alexander and husband Marcus; her grandchildren, Kaylee Clark and husband Drew, Jackson Crelia, Landon Crelia, Alivia Alexander, and Keldon Alexander; brother, Billy Elkins and wife Becky; and many more cherished family members and friends who felt like family.

Mary’s family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 11, from 5-7 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway. Additionally, all who knew and loved Mary are invited to a graveside service at Waco Memorial Park, with Pastor David Arnett presiding, on Friday, January 12, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Central Texas or Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry.

To our mom, sister, Gramee and Yaya—whenever we see a butterfly, we’ll think of you.

Registry for Mary Crelia