Mary Patricia Painter

Mary Painter, born in Dallas, Texas, lived a life defined by generosity, devotion, and a quiet but powerful spirit of service. She passed away in Arlington, Texas, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy woven from love, community, and countless acts of kindness. Mary graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas and later attended Cisco Junior College, where she studied business. Her professional life was spent in the insurance industry, where she worked across personal lines, commercial properties, and eventually within a brokerage firm specializing in commercial insurance. Her colleagues knew her as steady, capable, and deeply committed to helping others.

But it was through her volunteer work that Mary’s heart shone most brightly. After meeting Lee Roy Jordan, she began a sixteen‑year journey with the NFL Alumni Dallas Chapter, volunteering at their annual golf tournament at Bear Creek Golf Course, their banquets, and the youth sports camp Caring for Kids at Texas Stadium. She supported their charitable efforts year after year, helping raise funds for multiple local causes and always showing up with warmth and dedication.

Mary also devoted many years to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, assisting with events such as the White Rock Marathon, Farm and Ranch Day, Camp Joint Adventure, and other programs both on and off the Dallas campus. Her service extended to the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division, where she volunteered at the Senior Fest dinner and dance honoring veterans, first responders, pilots, and flight attendants. On Police and Firefighter Appreciation Day, she helped deliver cookies to local stations—small gestures that carried great meaning.

Mary and her husband, Ronnie, shared more than fifty years of marriage—a partnership marked by loyalty, humor, and deep affection. Together they lived in Irving, Grand Prairie, and Grapevine, where they remained longtime members of First Presbyterian Church. For many years, they hosted National Night Out block parties, creating a sense of connection and belonging for their neighbors. In retirement, they made their home at the Texas Masonic Retirement Community in Arlington.

Though Mary and Ronnie did not have children, their home was always full of love thanks to the many dogs they adopted over the years. These pets were their family, and their compassion extended to ongoing support for organizations such as the SPCA, Operation Kindness, I Heart Dogs, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Mary also cherished travel and the memories she and Ronnie created together. Their favorite destinations included Cancun, Washington D.C., Vancouver, the Alaskan coastline by cruise ship, Yellowstone National Park in winter, and the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. These journeys were more than vacations—they were shared adventures that enriched their life together.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Ronnie Painter; brother‑in‑law Dave Painter; nephew Brian and his son Tyler Dean of New Mexico; niece Jessica Bates, her husband Robbie, and their daughter Isabella of New Mexico; nephew Chuck, his wife Lindsey, and their daughters Alyssa, Charley, and Maddison of Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Mary’s beloved charities:SPCA, Operation Kindness, I Heart Dogs, or Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. 

Mary’s life was a quiet symphony of service, compassion, and steadfast love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.