Mary Lillian Ancira Avila, devoted wife and beloved mother, entered into Our Father's heavenly kingdom on Monday, February 19, 2007. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Salvador Avila; her daughters, Theresa Contreras and husband Andrew, Patricia Aranda and husband Patrick, Lillian Smith and husband Robert and her son, Armando Avila; sisters, Virginia Garcia and husband Lino and Julia Ancira; her grandchildren, Angela Cervantes and husband Ruben, Lisa Flores, Tina Flores, Edward Flores, Christina Aranda, Laura Aranda, Charista Montemayor, Libby Smith, Charles Smith, Aaron Smith, and great-grandson, Jacob Cervantes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Elisa Ancira and her daughter, Leticia Avila Ruiz. Mary was born in Lockhart, Texas on June 24, 1931 and raised her family in Houston, Texas. She enjoyed spending time with her family, dancing the night away with her husband, cooking, sewing, upholstering furniture, decorating her home, bowling, collecting antiques, and entertaining friends. She was a Past President of the Young at Heart Club, a senior citizens' social organization at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. A faithful and devout Catholic woman, she regularly attended and served as liturgical minister at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, near her home. She will be greatly missed, though her family is reassured by their Catholic faith that she is now at peace and rests in His loving arms. Her family extends their sincere appreciation and thanks to Mary's doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Cy-Fair Hospital, Kindred Rehabilitation Center, and Park Manor Nursing Home. The family will be receiving friends from 5:00-9:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at Calvary Hill Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2007, St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church, 6646 Addicks-Satsuma, Houston, Texas with rite of committal to follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery.∼Mary Lillian Avila died on February 19, 2007. Arrangements under the direction of Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery in Humble, TX