A San Angelo Woman Celebrates 100 Years of Adventure

This past Saturday, Mary Henry celebrated her upcoming 100^th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Mary was born on July 27, 1916 in Midland, Texas. As a girl, Mary lived in different areas of the state. Her favorite, however, was Electra, Texas, where she went to school until the 6^th grade and made lots of friends.

“I grew up all over Texas,” Mary said, “My daddy worked in the oil field and he was here and there.”

Mary and her husband, Morris Henry, raised four children together. Their family has grown exponentially over the years. There are now 8 grandchildren and over 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom congregated to celebrate Mary's big day. She has been a widow since 1974.

Living in San Angelo for nearly 50 years, Mary has been a hard worker all her life. From working on her farm tending her animals, to tending to her grandchildren or working in the laundry room at the state school, she has always given it her all.

For Mary's grandchildren, sleeping over at “Granny’s” house was always an adventure and has created fond memories that will last a lifetime. Even though she worked long, hard hours, Mary always made time to have the grandchildren over during the weekend. Sleepovers at Granny’s house included delicious peach cobbler, picking fruit from her backyard, building tents and listening to her read from her Bible story picture book while sitting on her poster bed.

We just loved staying at her house,” Becky Hamlim, one of Mary’s granddaughters, said, “She always made everything so exciting and fun.”

One family tradition is a card game that has endured times, known to everyone as “Hell."  For Mary’s grandchildren, this is a game that will always take them back to their grandmother’s home where they played and watched her get upset when she lost.

Her quick temper is something everyone has come to love. Whether it’s arguing over a game of bingo, politics or any other subject, Mary is known for having strong opinions and making her voice heard.

“I love making her irritated because she can get mad all over,” said Sharon Gauwain, Mary’s best friend. “But she can love you double back.”

Sharon and Mary have been friends for over 20 years. They have endured countless moments together. From playing animated games of bingo to being there for each other in difficult times, their friendship has endured and strengthened over the years.

Another one of Mary’s best friends is her Chihuahua, Buffy. Buffy is the daytime companion for Mary, who still lives alone in her home. During the nighttime, she stays with her daughter, Betty.

Mary said she credits apple cider vinegar as the secret to longevity. She drinks a glass every day; it keeps her strong. She added that she enjoys being independent at her age and living at her own home.

“I just can’t believe I’ve lived that long.” Mary said.

Mary's age has never restricted her from going on adventures. At the age of 90, she visited her sister’s family at their ranch near Canton and rode a Longhorn steer.

Overall, Mary's love, hard work and dedication to her family has earned her a special place in everyone’s heart.

“She always worked hard to take care of us,” Betty Orsak, Mary’s daughter said. “She was a good mother and a good wife.”

Tammy Gauwain, Mary's granddaughter, added, “She’s an amazing role model. She’s a no-matter-what grandmother.”

The amazing love the family has for their matriarch incited everyone to come together from all over Texas, and out of state, to celebrate Mary's legacy.

“We love her more than we love our selves,” the family chimed.

For Mary, having everyone present to celebrate such an important milestone in her life brought her happiness and cheer.

“It thrills me; I love this," Mary said.