Mary Oxford Englander
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Mary Oxford Englander took her last breath on the night of December 26, 2020. Mary was born on January 20, 1950 to Hubert Oxford II and Virginia Cunningham Oxford in Beaumont, Texas. She left a legacy of compassion, kindness and love.
One of her favorite quotes was "be the change that you want to see in the world" and she did that throughout her life. A graduate of Lamar University when she was 44 years old, Mary achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She was a natural. Mary inspired her students and taught them to believe in themselves. She did this by making sure they knew she believed in them. While she was quick with a tale, tall or otherwise to comfort and instill confidence, those who knew her will remember how she listened. Mary took a deep, genuine interest in those around her whether they were her students, family, friends or just someone she encountered who looked like they could use a hug. Her easy nature endeared her to all whom she met. And whether she knew your name or not, she preferred to address all as "sweetheart", "darling", "love bucket", "sug" or any of the myriad terms of endearment that decorated her speech. She showered the people she loved with love.
Mary cherished being outdoors, tending her flower gardens or listening to her wind chimes later in life. She had an unquenchable thirst to learn which she did through deep studies of mythology, family history and the British Royal Family. She adored animals, in particular dogs who occupied a special place in her heart.
And it is with her heart that Mary lived her life. Inspired by her favorite Beatles lyric "the love you take is equal to the love you make" she dedicated her life to caring for others. Her vast capacity for loving kindness was as bottomless as the enormous purses in which she carried countless curiosities. She treasured being a mother, first to her two children Catherine and Ford, and then as a kind of second mom to their friends and all the students she taught. Her laugh was the very sound of love.
Mary is survived by her sister, Virginia Thompson and brothers Hubert Oxford, Patrick Oxford and Denis Oxford as well as her children Catherine, Ford and her "daughter-in-love", Laura. The family intends to hold a private service next summer. Memorial donations can be made to your local humane society or the organization of your choosing that you believe she would have supported. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all for their kind words of love and support. If you'd like to leave a condolence, please visit www.harrellfuneralhomes.com