Many things can be said about Mary Louise Vasquez. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Mary was a mentor, a natural "teacher" capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Her parents were Charles Oscar and Frances (Villarreal) Quintero. When she was young, Mary's friends and family found that "straightforward" and "honest" were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Mary demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Mary grew up with 4. Sisters, Carolyn Lee, Linda Tortorich, brothers, Charles Edward Quintero and Tony Quintero. Mary was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Mary carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Mary was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

Mary's quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Mary shared these values with her two children, daughters, Regina and Adella Louise Vasquez. Mary was also blessed with two grandchildren, granddaughter, Farren Louise Bartek and grandso, Zachary Bartek. Mary related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Mary experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was a dedicated friend and housekeeper for many years for the Clifton family and Quebe family. She was self-employed for many years. Mary always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Mary took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Mary was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Mary continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Mary's faith was important to her. She was a member First Mexican Baptist Church. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

Mary was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her two dogs, Poppy and Chacha.

Mary passed away on November 16, 2011 at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco, Texas. She is survived by children, Regina Bartek and husband, Ronnie, and Linda Louise Vasquez and companion, Linda Lejia; niece, Tammy Francene Palacios and Scott Hogle; longtime companion, Bryan Ridley; granddaughter, Farren Louise Bartek; grandson, Zachary Bartek; numerous nieces and nephews; aunt, Annie King; uncle, Albert Villarreal; sisters, Carolyn Lee and Linda Tortorich and husband, Pete and Julie Ramos; brothers, Charles Edward Quintero and wife, Esther and Tony Quintero. Services were held at Connally-Compton Funeral Directors Chapel.

Throughout her life, Mary was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Mary leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Mary Louise Vasquez.

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Mary Louise (Quintero) Vasquez, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 in a local hospital in Waco. Funeral Services will be on Sunday, Nov. 20th at 3:00 p.m. at Connally-Compton Funeral Directors Chapel with Rev. Armando Virgen officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov. 20th one hour prior to service time. Mary was born on August 20, 1943 to Charles Oscar and Frances (Villarreal) Quintero in Waco, Texas. She was a longtime resident of Waco and a member of First Mexican Baptist Church. Mary was a dedicated friend and housekeeper for many years for the Clifton family and Quebe Family. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Frances Quintero; aunt, Janie DeLuna. Mary leaves behind her loving daughters, Regina Bartek and husband, Ronnie of Waco and Adella Louise Vasquez and, companion, Linda Leija of Austin; Niece, Tammy Francene Palacios and Scott Hogle of Waco; longtime companion, Bryan Ridley of Houston; granddaughter, Farren Louise Bartek of Waco and grandson, Zachary Bartek of Waco; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family; aunt, Annie King of Waco; uncle, Albert Villarreal of Waco; sisters, Carolyn Lee of Fort Walton, Florida, Linda Tortorich and husband, Pete of Houston, and Julie Ramos of San Antonio; brothers Charles Edward Quintero and wife, Esther of Houston, and Tony Quintero of Waco; her very precious babies, Poppy and Chacha. Condolences may be offered at Connally-Compton.com