Mary Todd

Mary Todd passed away on December 3, 2020 in Webster, Texas at the age of 95. She was born on November 29, 1925 in Buffalo, New York to George and Mary Bannister.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, William Todd.
Bill and Mary raised 6 children:
Kathryn Ruesch(David), Elizabeth Whatley(Steve-deceased),William Todd, Jr(Nancy), George Todd(Paula), Anne Turner(Mark),  Richard Todd(Anita); 7 grandsons and 7 granddaughters; 12 great-grandchildren. They were also blessed with step grandchildren from blended families.
She had numerous friends in the Clear Lake area, but was always “Babe” to extended family and friends in Buffalo, New York.
Mary worked as an Executive Administrator most of her career retiring in the Aerospace Industry with United Space Alliance.

Mary’s passions included her family, reading, Bridge, the JOY(Just Older Youth) group at St.Clare’s Catholic Church, Christmas, and volunteering at St.Clare’s and Clear Lake Hospital. Mary loved to socialize. She never turned down a chance to gather or party with family and friends. Mary was always in charge. Her family lovingly call her “The General”!

All services will be restricted to IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY. A Rosary will be held on Sunday, December 13 at 7pm at Crowder’s Funeral Home in Webster, Texas. The Rosary will be live-streamed.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 14th at 10:30am at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. Right of Committal will be held Monday, December 14 at 1pm at Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mary’s memory may do so to St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 3131 El Dorado Blvd, Houston, Texas 77059.

Mary’s family would like to thank all who have loved and prayed for her.

The family hopes to have A Celebration Of Mary’s Life sometime in the spring or summer of 2021.

36 comments

  1. Aunt Babe was my favorite aunt…I cherished our times together on Capen Blvd Buffalo NY. We shared vacations together in Michigan and she always had that beautiful smile on. Say hello for me to all our loved ones who are now at peace together in heaven.

    Love, your niece
    Deborah Todd Winklman

    Deborah Winkelman
    • Thank you Debbie.

      Kathy
    • Thank you Debra

      Anne Turner
  2. Aunt Babe – She is truly going to be missed as she was one great person. Aunt Babe meant so much to the people around her, she was a true matriarch of the family. She ensure everything was in order, and made sure that her family came first in all things. She worked, she volunteered, she took of her husband in her home for a significant period of time. What I remember most is that she opened her home for on each business trip I made to Houston for work, and I learned so much from her about our family history, family dynamics, and of course what it truly means to be in a good, close family. She was always setting up family gatherings, tours of the NASA complex (which I will never forget) when I was in town. One memory comes to mind, is the gathering we had with steaks cooked on the back patio to celebrate. It was great that the Todd family comes together to be with you as if you lived right next door, not 1,600 miles away. She raised my father for a period of time, and her influences can be seen today as we raise our kids up here in Buffalo. She helped build church in her community from the ground up, she was always there, and answered my calls when I needed to speak with her. She sent me to Carlos Ice House where her brother (my grandfather), and her husband (my great uncle) will go often during my grandfather’s trips down there for the winter. She would arrange key things for me to do while down there like the tours of NASA which I never forget. Following that tradition and history, it was a point of heading there to have a beer and remember them. Our world today is going to be sad, as she will be missed greatly. God made her one of the kindest, strongest, and most sincere person on earth, and it will be a long time before someone of her stature comes along. She will be truly missed. Our condolences to the Todd family in this time of grieving their loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Love,
    Jason, Nicole, Ethan, and Emily Bannister
    grand nephew

    Jason Bannister
    • Thank you Jason & Family,
      We will all miss her.
      Kathy

      Kathy
    • Thank you Jason & Family,
      She will be missed.
      Kathy

      Kathy
    • Thank you Jason

      Anne Turner
  3. Even in her 90s Mary was a regular at the YMCA water aerobics class, where she was an inspiration to us all. So very sorry to learn of her passing. Deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

    Lori Domel
    • Thank you Lori.
      Mom loved water aerobics. She was in the water every chance she could.
      Kathy

      Kathy
  4. Mary was one great lady! I met Mary while attending the JOY (Just Older Youth) group at St. Clare of Assisi Church. She was always friendly and a lot of fun. We were in the same bridge club and Mary was a very good player. Joann and I visited her before the Covid Virus and at that time she told us she was ready to go. I am sure she and Bill are enjoying being together again.

    My thought and prayers are with her family and friends.

    In sympathy,
    Mary Ann

    Mary Ann Cunningham
    • Thank you Lori.
      Mom loved water aerobics.
      Kathy

      Kathy
    • Thank you Mary Ann.
      We all agree- Mom was great lady!
      We know Mom and Dad are dancing again!

      Kathy

      Kathy
  5. Aunt Babe- you will be missed by so many. Its hard to even know where to start about the impact you’ve made on my life and on the lives of so many. Some of my memories include traveling to Texas to see you and attend Liz and Steve’s wedding when I was just 16 years old. (That was a long car ride with my dad and Jason) Your home was always open for your family and friends. I remember being little when the Todd’s still lived in Buffalo before you moved to Texas. Having you and many others make the trip for my wedding was very special to me. It makes my heart happy knowing that I had the honor of getting married on 8/5 which is such a lucky day knowing it was the day Uncle Bill and you married. Engraved in my mind is a picture of you holding my oldest daughter was she was just a baby out at the lake. Your impact and love you have for your family will never be forgotten. My dad is so lucky he had you in his life and you were such an instrumental part in raising him. I like to believe that some of that has rubbed off on how I raise my own children. Give Uncle Bill, Grandpa George, Aunt Chris, Steve and our other family and friends a hug and kiss for us.

    All out love,
    Chris, Kim (Bannister), Elizabeth and Victoria xoxo
    Great Niece

    Kim Letourneau
    • Thank you Kim & Family.
      Mom touched so many lives.
      She will be missed.
      Kathy oxox

      Kathy
    • Thank you Kim, and thank you and your family for the beautiful flowers

      Anne Turner
  6. I was so very sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. My two kids, Jessica and James Pittman, swam with Mary and Bill’s grandkids. Bill and Mary would volunteer in the concession stand – most likely the ONLY grandparents that would come out in the 100+ degree heat to help the swim team out!!! I always enjoyed visiting with Mary and with Bill at church. Even as she struggled to get around, she ALWAYS had a smile and a kind word for you. We are praying for all of you!!!!

    Kathy Pittman
    • Thank you, Kathy. Such great memories from swim team!
      Kathy

      Kathy
  7. Prayers of love and condolences for your family. We loved seeing you at church over the years.

    Elliott and Sarah Snell
    • Thank you Elliott and Sarah. Mom always loved seeing you at church and she really loved seeing the boys, too!

      Kathy

      Kathy
  8. At her and our age, you’ve outlived most of your friends. But Lee and I are still here, neighbors and fellow parishioners, to say a quick prayer to her and reserve a future spot at her table. Requiescat in pace.

    Joe Kerwin
    • Thank you Joe and Lee.
      Mom touched so many lives.

      Kathy

      Kathy
  9. Mary was a fabulous representative of The Greatest Generation. I met Mary through my mother, Kathryn. They played bridge together for many, many years. I like thinking that they are playing bridge on Monday nights in Heaven. I will always remember her kindness, her strength and her wit. Mary was a very good woman. She will be missed.

    Kathleen Dickerson
    • Thank you, Kathleen. Mom did love to play Bridge. She touched many lives and will be missed.
      Kathy

      Kathy
  10. Our deepest condolences to the Bill Todd Family on the passing of Mrs. Todd. Although our hearts are heavy, we feel blessed to have had her a part of our lives. At our family gatherings she was always such a delight, with her infectious laugh and love of the babies and small children. We will always remember her wonderful smile. I could always count on her to engage in meaningful conversation and share her thoughts with me. I have always admired her strength and persistence, even when we didn’t necessarily agree. She was a wonderful role model for young women. Blessings to all of you as you mourn the loss of your matriarch. Randy and Claudia Smith

    Randy and Claudia Smith
    • Thank you Randy and Claudia.
      Mom touched so many lives. She was a very special woman.

      Kathy

      Kathy
  11. Sad to hear about Mary; she was an outstanding person. My condolences to Mary’s family. May Mary rest in peace in Jesus’s name.

    Pete Braccio
  12. My condolences to the family of Mary Todd. I met her on a handful of occasions through her daughters, Liz and Anne. Mrs. Todd was very refined and gracious and will leave her own legacy to be remembered by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    Darlene Hulka
    • You described her perfectly Darlene. She was a strong matriarch= loved and respected. We will miss her. Thank you for the kind words.

      Liz Whatley
  13. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

    Deborah Poinsett
    • Thanks Deborah. Mom will be missed.

      Liz Whatley
  14. What wonderful memories I have of Mary and her family. I will be with you in spirit at her mass tomorrow morning. I would appreciate hearing from one of the family members. You can contact me at 281-910-0756. Sincerely, Nancy Newtonj

    Nancy Newton
    • Thank you, Nancy.
      I will give you a call sometime this week.
      Kathy

      Kathy
  15. Thank you Debra and thank you and your siblings for beautiful flowers

    Anne Turner
  16. My heart goes out to the entire Todd Family. I was fortunate to know Mary for decades after meeting her in a bridge group a long time ago. We had good times and chats about everything over the years. Mary and I laughed a great deal as we saved the world in our conversations! I, along with so many others, will miss her very much. She was, indeed, a very fine lady. May Mary rest peacefully in the hands of God.

    Shari Goldstein
  17. Mary and Bill were the best neighbors we ever had. They were like parents to us and an extra set of grandparents to our children. They visited us in several of the locations we were transferred to. Bill was always so very funny and Mary kept him in
    line. We feel honored to call them friends.

    Thank you Annie for keeping in touch with us when your parents could no longer.

    Rod and Gloria Nobis

    Rod and Gloria Nobis
    • Hi Rod and Gloria,
      thank you so much. I know Mom and Dad loved you all very much. We are happy they are together now. Take Care

      Anne M Turner

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