MARY PETERSEN ATTWELL
1934-2017
Mary Petersen Attwell, an angel here on earth, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, the 14th of September 2017. With her beloved family, caretakers, and devoted dog Louie, she was surrounded by love, prayers, and favorite songs.
Mary’s radiant beauty never waned. Born on the 25th of June 1934, to the late Emily Thomason and Dr. Henry A. Petersen. Mary spent her whole beautiful life in Houston. She attended Lamar High School, followed by Duke University and the University of Texas, Plan II. Shortly after, she married her lifelong love, Joseph Evans Attwell, who adored his “Marie”. They shared 51 remarkable years raising five children and six grandchildren.
She nurtured in her family a deep appreciation of music, nature, and all of God’s creatures. Nothing defined Mary more than her unwavering faith in and love for her Savior Jesus Christ. She found her greatest joy in being a mother and grandmother. Her empathy and listening ear drew so many to her and forged lifelong friendships.
Mary is survived by her children, Mary V. Attwell, John T. and wife Carrie Attwell, Evans S. and wife Theresa Attwell, Emily S. Attwell, and Carol Attwell Bourne and husband Mike Bourne; her six grandchildren Petersen Attwell, Noah Rowntree, Evans Attwell II, Patrick Attwell, Georgie Rowntree, and Mary Evans Attwell; her sister Emily Petersen Mumford. Other survivors include Stephen Bourne and wife Alex, Annie Bourne, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Her family is full of gratitude to the special souls who cared for Mary. She leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, kindness, and grace.
A visitation will be held at Geo. H. Lewis and Sons, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, Texas, from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19th. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the 20th of September, 2017 at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, Texas, with a reception to follow in Sumners Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to: St. John the Divine, Ministry of Music for Children and Youth, or The Shepherd Society Fund for Student Scholarship, The Shepherd School of Music, Rice University.