Mary Virginia Perdichi Keller

Mary Virginia Perdichi Keller was born Feb. 1,1934, in Waco, Texas. Mary attended Sacred Heart Academy, West Junior High, graduated from Waco High in 1952, and attended Baylor University. She was also a graduate of Hillsboro Floral School in Tampa, Florida. She was owner of Contrary Mary Flower Boutique, sculpture specialties, which was her passion. She previously lived in Tampa, Florida, for over 26 years and was a member of Incarnation Catholic Church, where she was fondly remembered as the Gypsy Artist, in full costume with her caravan on wheels at the annual church/school carnival; the school great pumpkin for Halloween and the Easter Bunny for Easter, making class visits and handing out candy. All events she dressed in the most elaborate homemade costumes. Let’s face it, she loved dressing up for any and all occasions. That passion never stopped throughout her entire life. She even dressed up her walker, that she named Wheelomina in her final years. Mary made it her mission to celebrate everyone’s birthday by sending a card and singing Happy Birthday in her totally deaf tone voice. Some of us actually will miss that call. She moved in August 1981 to Waco and was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church. Survivors include her son, Daniel H. Keller of Tampa; daughter, Elaina Wardell and husband, David, of Newnan, Georgia; grandsons, Adam Daniel Grey and wife, Blaire, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Paul Grey of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; sister, Christine Niekamp (husband, Raymond, deceased) of Waco; and brother, John Perdichi and wife, Barbara, of Waco; John Vanston, surviving brother-in-law of sister, Angela, of Austin, Texas. Mary was also blessed with thirteen nieces and nephews, Larry Vanston, Carrie Vanston, Helen Mary Marek, Ann Marie Darr, John Niekamp, Virgil Niekamp, Cathy Niekamp, Matthew Perdichi, Laura Lockwood, Amelia Rabroker, Robert Underberg, Jill Underberg Scroggins, and Laura Nelson Kelly; along with fifteen great nieces and nephews. Special recognition goes to the Harrison Senior Center of Waco, that gave her great joy in her last years, and The Brazos of Waco, an assisted living center, that took such wonderful care of her in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Harrison Senior Center, 1718 N. 42nd St., Waco TX 76710, or call 254.722.9317. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.