Mary Bittenbinder

Mary Frances Vrana Bittenbinder
June 16, 1931 – June 27, 2024

Mary Bittenbinder, 93, passed away peacefully June 27, 2024, at Stoney Brook Assisted Living in Hewitt, TX. A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 6th at 11:30 am at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption by Rev. Joseph Geleney.

Mary was born to Joe and Sophie Vrana in West, TX. She graduated from West High School in 1949 then moved to Ft. Worth where she attended Durham’s Business College. Mary worked in Ft. Worth until she met her husband, Joe Bittenbinder, at a dance at the West SPJST Hall. They married in October of 1954 and settled in Waco.

While raising three children, Mary worked several secretarial jobs, the last being 9 years for Prudential Insurance Company before retiring in 1994.

Mary was a loving wife and mother, supporting all her children’s interests by spending countless hours on stadium benches watching football games, band performances, and track meets. Mary continued her support with her four grandchildren, attending as many events as possible. They brought much joy to her life.

Mary was an active parishioner at St. Louis Catholic Church and a long- time supporter of Reicher Catholic High School.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Bittenbinder; brothers, Jody Vrana and Edward Vrana and his wife, Martha; and daughter-in-law, Moni Bittenbinder. Survivors include her sister, Marcella Wolf and husband, Bob; and three children: Dr. Tim Bittenbinder and wife, Cindy, Tom Bittenbinder and partner, Andre Flores, and Sharon Reeves and husband, Sam. Mary leaves behind four grandchildren: Dr. Emelia Bittenbinder and husband, Michael Hoy, Dr. David Bittenbinder and wife, Rebecca, Clinton Bittenbinder, and Kyle Reeves. Mary is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Eddie, Milo, and Audrey Bittenbinder.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Parkinson Voice Project, 646 North Coit Road, Suite 2250, Richardson, TX 75080. www.ParkinsonVoiceProject.org

The family would like to express gratefulness to Community Hospice of Texas for their compassionate care, the therapists at Power Back Rehab at Stoney Brook, and the caregivers of Visiting Angels.