Mary Catherine Harz

Mary (Maruca) was born in Eagle Pass, Texas to Richard and Emily Lane. She later moved to San Antonio to attend Incarnate Word High School. While there she met Don Harz, a student at St. Mary’s University. After they both graduated, they were married on Jun 30, 1954 at St. Ann’s church by two of Maruca’s priest uncles. Less than a year later, Don was in the Air Force and the moving began; from Florida to Alaska with many states in between. At Eilson AFB, Alaska, Maruca started taking college courses on base. Later at Fairchild AFB, Washington, she resumed her studies at near-by Eastern Washington University and graduated at the age of 47, earning a Master of Science Degree in Geology.

After the AF life and back in San Antonio, she began chasing oil deposits for a few years.Then started a teaching career as Adjunct Professor of Geology at three different colleges, at times two simultaneously. For ten years during this time she was also engaged in radon gas sampling throughout south central Texas.

In her many life-endeavors as Mother, AF wife and as a professional, Maruca was always hard-working, cheerful, thoughtful and optimistic. Other endeavors included reading,walking, yoga and church activities, such as The Parish Guild and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Maruca passed peacefully at home. She is survived by her husband of 70 years Donald Harz, son Gregory and daughter Martha, both children living in Colorado.

Memorial Mass will be at Our Lady of Grace Church, 223 E. Summit Ave., San Antonio TX, at 11:00AM on Feb. 26 2025. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to: The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 327 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216.