Mary Dempsey Sonnier, “Grandma Cookie”, passed away at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth Monday evening, June 12, 2006.
Mary was born May 28, 1932 in Houston, Texas to James J. Dempsey, Sr. and Gertrude Mixson Dempsey. She attended Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Lamar College and graduate from St. Thomas University. Mary lived in Beaumont most of her life and was a member of “Fellowship” Group of Alcoholic Anonymous since July 23, 1989.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl “Cup” Dana, whose husband Bob still resides in Beaumont.
Survivors include her sister, Trudeen Dempsey Swain; brother, Reverend James Dempsey; children, Donnie Sonnier, Dr. Leo “Butch” Sonnier and his wife Kathy all of Austin, Mary Lou Sonnier Pearce and her husband Tim of Sugar Land, Jimmy Sonnier of Kountze, Margaret Sonnier Breaux and her husband David of Austin and Tom Sonnier and his wife Maribeth of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren, Wade Holland of Dallas, Colt Dana of Beaumont, Katie and T.J. Pearce of Sugar Land, Allison Breaux, Caroline, Joseph and John Sonnier all of Austin and Chase Sonnier of Kansas; step-granddaughter, Rachael Breaux; great granddaughter, Aubrey Lynn Holland; and the father of her children, Don Sonnier and his wife JoAnn.
A Mass of Christian of Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2006 at St. Anthony Cathedral with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A Christian Vigil will be 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2006 at the Mortuary. Her sons-in-law, Tim Pearce and David Breaux; grandson, Wade Holland; and nephews, David, Curtis and Patrick Swain will be serving as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association, P.O. Box 26460, Austin, Texas 78755 or charity of donor’s choice.
