Mary Cathrine (Swenn) Ways

Mary Cathrine (Swenn) Ways, 92, died peacefully in her Dallas, Texas home surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 14, 2019. She was born Mary Cathrine Swenn on May 14, 1926 in Follett, Texas and was raised on her parents' farm. After graduating from Follett High School, she moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where she graduated from Secretarial and Business School. She then moved to Dallas where she met and later married Arthur A. Ways, Jr. on January 8, 1949.
Mary was an active pilot who enjoyed flying with her husband in their Cessna 210. She joined the Dallas Chapter of the Ninety-Nine's Inc., an International Organization of Women Pilots. During her membership with the Ninety-Nine's she worked on many general aviation airport projects and attended conferences in San Juan, Hawaii, San Diego, and San Francisco.
She retired from managing the family-owned business, Parts Warehouse Company of Texas in September 1995 after 25 years of dedicated service. She enjoyed playing the pedestal organ in her home. In addition, she loved to garden, spending many happy, peaceful hours enjoying her flowers and yard. Among her many talents, Mary had the ability to create vibrant outdoor gardens as well as professionally-inspired home interiors.
Truly the family Matriarch, she loved family gatherings. She kept her family close together by hosting Sunday dinners for over 40 years, always making sure to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and other major life events. She relished spending quality time with her grandsons. Mary had a zest for life with a fierce sense of determination. She suffered from several medical conditions during her final 20 years but never let that slow her down.
She is preceded in death by her husband of over 55 years. Left to cherish her memory forever are daughter Cathy Anne, sons Arthur and Rodger, daughter-in-law Lea, and grandsons Matthew and Michael.
We will love her in our hearts forever and will dearly miss her. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made in her memory to "The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows", 9480 North De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, IL 62223-1023, 1(800) 233-6264 or oblatesusa.org.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 A.M. in the North Chapel at Calvary Hill Cemetery followed by graveside services at Calvary Hill Cemetery.