Timeline for Mary Frances Sunseri
Born: September 26, 1925
Died: March 29, 2018
Mary Frances Sunseri was born on September 26, 1925 to Octavio and Lucy Masera in Galveston, Texas. She was a student at St. Patrick’s Elementary through the 7th grade and then went on to graduate from Ursuline Academy. She began a teaching career at Our Lady of Guadalupe School on 45th and L in Galveston in September 1951. This is where her love for teaching students reading and math began. It lasted over 50 years. During that time she taught morning and afternoon kindergarten classes with 50 students per class, that’s multiple generations of children. She became well known in Galveston for her ability to teach children how to read. She was awarded the key to the City of Galveston after 50 years of teaching.
Teaching helped Mary Frances when her husband, John Sunseri, was ill. She would tell him stories about daily happenings in her classes, which he would always enjoy. After his death in 1973, teaching helped her cope with the loss of her great love. During these years, Mary Frances’s family grew by 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her house was always full of children’s books, toys, and candy. It was always fun at Grandma’s house.
Mary Frances lost her home of 45 years during Hurricane Ike and went to live in Friendswood, Texas at an independent living community, Village on the Park. She liked the independence this allowed her and she lived happily for nine years at this community. After becoming ill in June of 2017, she was cared for by the kind, caring people of Brookdale Senior Living, in Lakeway, Texas.
She is survived by her son, Paul Sunseri, and his wife Darlene; granddaughter, Nicole Sunseri Auzston and her husband Lee; great-grandchildren Hailey Kellum, Brandon and Chloe Auzston; grandson, Paul Sunseri Jr and wife, Amy; great-grandchildren, Hope, Alexis and Aubrey Sunseri; step-grandson Bryan Spach, his wife Tiffany, and step-great grandson Keegan Spach. Also, her daughter, Kathleen Smith and her husband, Richard; granddaughter Julie Quay and her husband Sean. great-grandchildren Madison and Mark Quay; grandson Nick Smith and his wife, Cynthia; and great-grandchild, Charlie Smith.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, April 6, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Galveston, followed immediately by internment at Calvary Cemetery in Galveston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Galveston Catholic Schools for children needing tuition assistance.
In memory of Mary Frances Sunseri, Theresa Gately lit a candle
Mrs. Sunseri was the brightest light at Our Lady of Guadalupe School. I was a student there at the time. She elicited passion and love towards teaching all children. May she rest in peace.
Mrs Sunseri was my kindergarten teacher. She was always soft spoken and kind to all the children that she taught!!! Wonderful lady, I know she is in heaven with the Angels, rest in eternal joy and peace
In memory of Mary Frances Sunseri, Gregory Szanyi lit a candle
Rest in Peace my wonderful teacher and friend. You are an extraordinary human being and I am blessed to have been touched by you at an early age. I am proud to say that I was in your class of 1956 and that your gifts of knowledge and faith have lasted me for a lifetime. God Bless you Mary Frances.🙏
Ms Sunseri may God take you in to his House RIP
May you rest in peace in Mrs. Sunseri. You were truly the best reading teachers my children had. Prayers to the family.
You taught my husband Mike, and he made sure you taught our three sons Michael, Steven and Christopher! You were an amazing person and teacher. May you Rest In Eternal Peace!
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Our condolences and prayers on your loss.
May your soul rest in peace. Best kindergarten teacher ever.
In memory of Mary Frances Sunseri, Nancy Sunseri lit a candle
Dear Kathy and Paul, You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mother will always be remembered. She was such a wonderful teacher to me, and all the children she taught. Sincerely, Nancy Sunseri
My condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy & Paul, our families go way back with friendships & I want to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your mom's passing. She was always so sweet & kind & I know you must have wonderful memories to help you. Love, Barbara Cappadona Ladd
Kathy & Paul, our families go way back with friendships & I want to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your mom's passing. She was always so sweet & kind & I know you must have wonderful memories to help you. Love, Barbara Cappadona Ladd
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Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations
In memory of Mary Frances Sunseri, Theresa Gately lit a candle
Mrs. Sunseri was the brightest light at Our Lady of Guadalupe School. I was a student there at the time. She elicited passion and love towards teaching all children. May she rest in peace.
Mrs Sunseri was my kindergarten teacher. She was always soft spoken and kind to all the children that she taught!!! Wonderful lady, I know she is in heaven with the Angels, rest in eternal joy and peace
In memory of Mary Frances Sunseri, Gregory Szanyi lit a candle
Rest in Peace my wonderful teacher and friend. You are an extraordinary human being and I am blessed to have been touched by you at an early age. I am proud to say that I was in your class of 1956 and that your gifts of knowledge and faith have lasted me for a lifetime. God Bless you Mary Frances.🙏
Ms Sunseri may God take you in to his House RIP
May you rest in peace in Mrs. Sunseri. You were truly the best reading teachers my children had. Prayers to the family.
You taught my husband Mike, and he made sure you taught our three sons Michael, Steven and Christopher! You were an amazing person and teacher. May you Rest In Eternal Peace!
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Our condolences and prayers on your loss.
May your soul rest in peace. Best kindergarten teacher ever.
In memory of Mary Frances Sunseri, Nancy Sunseri lit a candle
Dear Kathy and Paul, You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mother will always be remembered. She was such a wonderful teacher to me, and all the children she taught. Sincerely, Nancy Sunseri
My condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy & Paul, our families go way back with friendships & I want to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your mom's passing. She was always so sweet & kind & I know you must have wonderful memories to help you. Love, Barbara Cappadona Ladd
Kathy & Paul, our families go way back with friendships & I want to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your mom's passing. She was always so sweet & kind & I know you must have wonderful memories to help you. Love, Barbara Cappadona Ladd
Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations