Mary Margaret Finnegan Perry McDonald, 98, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and devoted friend to all ages passed away on September 19, 2017. Mary Margaret was born in Houston, Texas on July 15, 1919 to Mary Holden and William N. Finnegan, Jr. A third generation Houstonian, Mary Margaret attended Arlington Hall and The University of Texas. While at The University she accepted a blind date with Jack Perry who she happily married. A true and beautiful love story unfolded for over 50 wonderful years.
Mary Margaret also known as “The Lavender Lady” in fashionable high heels lived a beautiful and dutiful life. Family was always her primary devotion. As the school room mother, PTA President, scout leader and team mom she was always involved to be near her children and their friends. Her home was a fun and welcoming place to be. Everyone wanted to be there.
Community service was always important to Mary Margaret. She devotedly gave many years to The Junior League of Houston, Inc. She served on various committees and boards. Mary Margaret's favorite placement was passing rolls in the Tea Room in the early days. She loved people and would happily travel from table to table to greet and visit with all. Other cherished positions were Building Chairman and later Sustaining Club President. Serving others was paramount to her. She was appointed by Governor John Connally to be on the State Commission for The Blind 1966 - 1971 which she thoroughly appreciated and was highly honored by. As a long time collector of unique sea shells and antiques she founded her sorority Kappa Alpha Theta's annual Antique Show in 1952. She enjoyed many years working on the continued success of the Theta Charity Antiques Show and even shared many of her own personal treasures for display at the show. Being with her Theta sisters brought her great joy. The Thetas honored her with an annual scholarship in her name. She was so proud of that tribute and was always anxious to meet the recipient when able. She claimed gardening as her form of exercise which made her membership in the River Oaks Garden Club ideal for her creative hands and “green thumbs”. She worked on many things as a devoted comrade but Mary Margaret could not wait for the club's annual Pink Elephant Sale. As chairman for many years, you would find her sporting her pink apparel happily digging through donated boxes and marking various things for sale. She at times could be found wearing items to promote their sale - it was all about fun and fellowship for her! 
Mary Margaret charmed all people. She especially adored her friends. She was the life of the party whether with her sewing club group, Theta lunch bunch or most recently her friends at The Hallmark. Friends of all ages migrated to her over the years as she was a ray of sunshine and a caring spirit to all. She was pure joy and a true earth angel!
Mary Margaret is preceded in death by her parents Mary Holden and William Nicholas Finnegan, Jr., husband Jack Perry, 2nd husband Keith McDonald, mother and father-in-law Janie and Ray Perry, sister and brother-in-law Betty and Billy Doherty, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Martha Ann Finnegan, sister and brother-in-law Eloise and Ray Perry,  and devoted friend Mary Louise Embers. 
Blessed by her love in their lives are her children, Trish Perry Chambers and husband Dunbar, David Perry and wife Karen and Jane Perry Porter. "Mimi" is also survived by her treasured grandchildren, Brady Lum and wife Jill, Brett Lum and wife Kay, Mark Lum and wife Hope, Jack Perry and wife Julie, Will Perry and wife Emily, Holden Perry, Chuck Porter and wife Mandy, David Porter, Mary Margaret Brollier and husband Clay. "GiGi" leaves her precious great grandchildren, Caroline, William and Holden Lum, Perry, Sandy and Wiley Lum, Mason and Shelby Lum, Jackson, Annie and Maggie Perry, Caroline, Charlotte and Bo Perry, Hallie Perry, Ben and Kate Brollier and Charlie Porter. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, Betsy Doherty Jones, Billy Doherty and wife Jan, Mike Doherty and wife Chrissy, Pat Doherty and wife Susan, Casey Doherty and wife Julie, Martha Finnegan Benestante and husband Ray, Bill Finnegan and wife Susan, Mary Finnegan Corbett and husband Tony, Johnny Perry and wife Kristen and Jack Frank Perry. Mary Margaret also leaves Cindy and Mike McDonald, Kyle McDonald and family friend Roger Warren.
The family will host a visitation and celebration of her magnificent life on Sunday, September 24th from 5 to 7 at Bradshaw Carter, 1734 West Alabama, Houston, TX 77098. For those desiring, the family suggests donations to The Junior League of Houston, Inc., 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX 77027, The River Oaks Garden Club Memorial Fund 2503 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77098, the Mary Margaret Perry McDonald Scholarship Fund at Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, 8740 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or the charity of your choice.

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