Mary Mildred Godwin-Spaeth was born in San Antonio, TX on February 15 ^th , 1931. She passed into her heavenly home on Nov. 10 ^th , 2019 at the age of 88 with her 2 devoted children by her side. Her parents were Rosa Zella and Howard Godwin. She had 4 siblings, Howard Godwin Jr., Evelyn Steed (deceased), Barbara Gardner (deceased) and Edward Godwin. She was fondly known by all as "Aunt Millie".

Mary attended Catholic elementary, middle and high schools in San Antonio. She graduated and married John Dunlavy (deceased) and they adopted 2 children; Christopher Dunlavy and Donna Dunlavy-Fitzgerald. She lived in Washington, DC, Silver Springs, Maryland, Mineral Wells, TX and finally settled back into San Antonio where she lived for the remainder of her life.  Mary put herself through college at Our Lady of the Lake University while raising 2 young children as a single mother and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree as a Speech Pathologist. She worked at Cable Elementary School her entire teaching career where she made lasting friendships with "Pennypacker", Ora and Sister Elaine. They were like the Three Musketeers of Cable Elementary. In addition to Speech Therapy she also taught the Learning Disabled, specializing in reading. She took great pride when her students were able to read on grade level.

Her family was overjoyed when she met and married Ray Spaeth.  They were like night and day, but it worked out fine. Ray introduced her to country music, sausage-making and beer and she loved it. She retired shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She and her husband Ray traveled a bit with Mary being the more adventurous one. They took a trip to Ireland together and attended many of the huge Spaeth Reunions held around Texas. She went solo to visit her daughter again in Ireland and showing her typical fearless spontaneity decided to visit Medjugore, Yugoslavia to see where the Virgin Mary had been appearing. This was a small town in the middle of a war zone. This was typical Mary Spaeth. She had many, many friends and was much loved by everyone who met her. She was a very loyal friend to all but especially to Patsy Layton (deceased), her best friend since 1 ^st grade. She was an aunt and mother-figure to many people. Selflessly helping all even when she had nothing to give but her time, wisdom and warmth. She was loved by her many nieces and nephews. Charlie Steed (deceased) was a nephew she held especially dear to her heart.

Mary was a woman of strong faith. She loved the Catholic Church and attended daily mass for many, many years at Our Lady of Czhestahova. After her husband died, she remained in her home for a few years before deciding it was time to move to assisted living. She chose The Villa de San Antonio where she lived out the remainder of her life. She loved attending mass in the chapel and again, as wherever she went, she made many deep, lasting friendships. Within a very short time of moving in, she was on the welcoming committee and the residents board. She was even honored as Resident of the Month where her picture was in the newsletter and she was interviewed about her life.

Mary had many accomplishments and passions in her life but being a mother was her number one source of pride and joy. She was a wonderful mother who sacrificed for her children. She struggled financially when she was younger while putting herself through college, but she was adamant that her children would receive a Catholic School education. She was very devoted to the Virgin Mary, praying the rosary multiple times a day. Mary had a full life, she was very much loved and she will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will begin Thursday, November 14 at 5:00 P.M. in The Angelus Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M.  Funeral Mass will be offered Friday, November 15 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South.