Mary Ann Richardson

Mary Ann Richardson, 76, aka Ms. Mary, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 6, 2023, in Live Oak, TX. Mary was born to Angeline Renneker in East St. Louis, IL and was later adopted by her step-father, Francis Smith.

Most of Mary’s childhood she lived in Belleville, IL, but did travel some as the Air Force transferred her step-father to Alaska. Mary married the love of her life, David, in Belleville, IL in April 1967 and followed him as the Air Force transferred him to San Antonio, Omaha, and back to San Antonio.

Mary graduated from Belleville Township High School. Mary enjoyed working with children as a pre-school teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) for 16 years. She had other jobs, but she loved working with the little kids.

Mary was a member of American Legion Post 593 Auxiliary, and she was a life time member of the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) and several Chili Pods, with the San Antonio Pod being her home pod where she was selected as Chili Head of the Year in 1998. She entered many chili cookoffs to raise money for charity. She won the Florida State Championship twice and the New Mexico Championship once.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years David, and 3 sons and their wife’s Thomas (Claire) of Magnolia, TX; Brian (Stephanie) of Cecil, WI; and Gregory (Carolyn) of Spring, TX; grandchildren Adam, Kari, Blake, Braxton, Kayla, Kaylee, Annalee, Olivia, Cory, Boston, Chase, Jadyn and Jared; great grandchildren Audrey, Layne, Ophelia, Winslow, Otto and Brayden. Brothers John, James (Kyoung-Cha) and Robert (Belinda).

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the CASI Scholarship Fund www.chili.net.

Reception to follow the graveside service at the American Legion Post 593.