Mary Lee (Lawson) Hennigan

Mary Lee (Lawson) Hennigan, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Her story began on November 11, 1941, when she was born to Starling and Regina Lawson at the Muenster Hospital, better known as Doc’s. Mary Lee grew up in Muenster, attending Sacred Heart through eighth grade before moving to Gainesville High School, where she graduated in 1958. That same year, she married the love of her life, Larry Hennigan, on August 20th. Their story together was one of adventure, perseverance, faith, and deep family love. Shortly after Larry was drafted into the Army, Mary Lee—newly pregnant with their first child—moved across the world to France to be by his side. In 1962, while living on base, they welcomed their first son, Chris. Not long after, Larry’s boss at the feed store had had enough of being a one-man show. Tony wrote to the government asking for Larry to come home. The request was granted, and in 1963, Larry, Mary Lee, and Chris came home to Muenster. Soon after, Steve arrived, making Chris and Steve “Irish Twins.” The next year, in 1964, Ricky was born—one of the first babies born in the new Muenster Hospital. Then came Keith, completing their family of six. It was during this time that Mary Lee and Larry built their forever home—one they never left. Within those walls, Mary Lee raised her four boys with patience, discipline, and an unshakable devotion. When the boys were young, Mary Lee threw herself into their world. She was a den mother for Boy Scouts, a homemaker, an election manager, and a substitute teacher at Sacred Heart. She even cleaned the school to help offset tuition. With four boys, she always had her hands full, but she carried it with grace and devotion. And if the boys ever crossed her, Larry made sure they didn’t make that mistake again—even if it meant a few Christmas ornaments got in the way. Mary Lee also had a fun-loving, competitive side. She loved golf—not just playing, but excelling. She served as President of the Ladies Golf Association, had not one but two holes-in-one, and was always happy to prove she had the fastest golf cart on the course. She also loved her kitchen, and she made sure her boys did too. Saturday mornings began with her making bacon, while Keith and Ricky made French toast. Her cinnamon rolls were legendary. One summer, the boys even ran a lemonade stand where they also sold homemade tomahawks and spears. Mary Lee was so proud of their effort that she bought a tomahawk from them herself. Mary Lee was also a devoted member of the VFW Auxiliary, joining in 1969 and remaining active for 56 years. She found joy in tending her garden, and she had a green thumb for everything she touched. She loved to birdwatch, and her kids recently discovered just how much—finding binoculars and bird books all over her home. She loved sports, too. She was a loyal golf and baseball fan, and was thrilled to watch the Rangers finally win the World Series. She also loved watching TV with her grandkids—everything from Dudley Do-Right to Bigfoot Hunters. Christmas was where Mary Lee shined. She and Larry would sit in the den, surrounded by their family, admiring the beautiful life they had built together. Her Christmas spreads were famous, and her Christmas candy became a ritual that everyone looked forward to. By the end of the night, she might be a little frazzled, her hair a little out of place, but she didn’t mind. She was home, surrounded by family—and that was everything to her. When the grandchildren came along, Mary Lee was overjoyed, though she joked that she had already raised her kids and wasn’t going to let these babies cramp her golf style. But when they grew older, she brought them along to the golf course, just as she had with her boys. She poured her love into them, too—in her own way, with laughter, ice cream, and stories. Mary Lee devoted her whole life to her family. Her Catholic faith grounded her life, guiding the way she loved her family and her community. Above all else, Mary Lee was devoted. To her husband, to her children, to her grandchildren, to her church, and to her community. She poured her life into the people she loved. And in her final days, her family devoted themselves to her—caring for her with the same love and attention she had given them all her life. May her memory live on in her children, her grandchildren, and in every gathering where stories are told, pies are shared, and ice cream is passed around. Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Lee was held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Rosary and vigil was held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 2, 22025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Pallbearers were her grandchildren, CB Hennigan, Shane Hennigan, Christopher Harmon, Brad Hennigan, Ryan Hennigan, and Thomas Hennigan. Honorary pallbearer was her great grandson, Cooper Hennigan. She is survived by her children: Chris Hennigan and fiancée Lynn Sowders, Steve and wife Angela Hennigan, Ricky and wife Ammie Hennigan, and Keith and wife Terri Hennigan all of Muenster; grandchildren: Albert and wife Michelle Lopez, Tammie and husband Jordan Morris, CB and wife Stephanie Hennigan, Shane and wife Randi Hennigan, Christopher and wife Heather Harmon, Brad and wife Emily Hennigan, Ryan and wife Jody Hennigan, Kalee and husband Heath Lord, Thomas and wife Robin Hennigan, Kaitlin Hennigan, Kyle and wife Hayley Klement, Kolby Klement, and Whitley Klement; 19 great grandchildren; and brothers: Jerry and wife Becca Lawson, and Donnie and wife Brenda Lawson. Mary Lee was preceded in death by her husband: Larry Hennigan; parents: Starling and Regina Lawson; and her sister: Patsy Barnes.

Mary Lee (Lawson) Hennigan

November 11, 1941 - August 24, 2025