News Summary
The school community in New Braunfels is grieving the loss of Mary Ann Oliver, a dedicated educator known for her innovative teaching and advocacy for accessible education. With a career spanning decades, Oliver’s impact on her students and the community is immeasurable. She was also a passionate member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, committed to preserving Texas history. Her legacy will continue to inspire many. A visitation and services are planned to honor her memory and significant contributions.
New Braunfels, Texas – The school community in New Braunfels is in mourning following the peaceful passing of esteemed educator Mary Ann Oliver on June 30, 2025. Known for her dedication to teaching and advocacy for accessible education, Oliver’s contributions to her students and the broader community have left a lasting legacy.
Mary Ann Oliver, née Maxwell, was born on February 15, 1945, in Llano, Texas, to Kathleen Huson Maxwell and Roy Thomas Maxwell. She graduated from Llano High School in 1963, where she developed a keen interest in Texas history, inspired by her grandfather, Hobart Huson II, who was a respected historian and attorney.
After high school, Oliver pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing. She continued her academic journey by obtaining a Master’s degree in History from Trinity University and furthering her studies in the Spanish language at the Universidad de las Américas in Mexico. Her fluency in Spanish allowed her to enhance the learning experience for her diverse student body and facilitated her extensive travels.
Oliver’s career in education spanned several decades, during which she began as a history teacher and later expanded her expertise to teach English and math. Her innovative teaching methods, particularly for students facing challenges with standardized exams, gained her recognition and respect. In her commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, she held various administrative positions, including Assistant Principal, Academic Dean, and Special Education Director, where she tirelessly advocated for accessible education for all learners.
Beyond her role as an educator, Oliver was also a dedicated member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT), where she made significant contributions to the preservation of Texas history. Throughout her life, she founded and led multiple chapters, including the Heart of Texas Chapter, demonstrating her passion for educating others about the state’s heritage.
In addition to her work with the DRT, Oliver was an avid genealogist, assisting numerous individuals in tracing their family histories. Her passionate involvement in these endeavors added to her reputation as a community leader, deeply rooted in the historical narrative of Texas.
In May 2024, Oliver’s exemplary contributions to Texas history and her community were recognized when she was named an Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Greg Abbott, an honor that reflects her commitment and influence in the state.
Mary Ann Oliver is survived by her husband, Leonard Lee Oliver, and their three children: Mary Ann Scott, Maxwell Oliver, and Leonard Lee Oliver Jr. She was also a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren, further embodying her dedication to family and education.
Colleagues, students, and friends remember Oliver not only for her brilliance but also for her generous heart and unwavering dedication to her family and Texas heritage. The profound impact she made throughout her life will be cherished by many.
A visitation to honor Oliver is scheduled for July 10, 2025, with services to be held on July 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library fund, supporting the ongoing preservation of Texas’s storied past.
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Additional Resources
- Puente & Sons Obituaries
- Community Impact: The Weighted Plate
- Texas Monthly: Living History Programs in Texas
- Austin Monthly: Female-Friendly Bar History
- Texas Highways: New Braunfels German History
- Wikipedia: New Braunfels, Texas
- Google Search: Texas history
- Google Scholar: Mary Ann Oliver
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas
- Google News: New Braunfels Texas
