Mary Fadal Holstein

Mary Fadal Holstein, 87, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on December 3, 2025, with her loving husband, Jack, by her side.

Memorial Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3401 Bellaire Drive South, Fort Worth. 

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be given to Trinity Episcopal Church.

Mary was born on March 8, 1938, in Waco, Texas, to George and Katherine Fadal. She was raised in Waco and graduated from Waco High School before attending Baylor University, where she earned a degree in Home Economics. She was an active member of the Alpha Omega social club. After graduation, she worked in Baylor’s registrar’s office. While in that role, mutual friends set up a blind date for Mary and Jack, who was a U.S Air Force navigator stationed at James Connelly Air Force Base in Waco. They began dating, and quickly realized that they were meant to spend their lives together.

Mary and Jack married on December 7, 1963, beginning a loving partnership that would span 62 years. In 1965, they welcomed their son, Steve, and shortly thereafter, Jack was stationed in Sacramento, California. Once Jack’s military service was completed, they left California for an opportunity in Fort Worth, Texas. Their daughter, Kathy was born in 1969, and the family was complete. Mary and Jack resided in their family home more than 50 years, filling it with warmth, tradition, and hospitality. It was a space where friends would always enjoy gathering.

Due to a career opportunity for Jack, the family was fortunate to spend a season living in the south of France. During that time, Mary learned about French entertaining and discovered a love for collecting antique pieces that later became treasured elements of her gracious and welcoming home. Two years were spent living in France, and the decision was made to return to Fort Worth in order to be closer to Mary’s family in Waco. Mary often reminisced about her adventures living in France.

A gifted hostess with a true heart for hospitality, Mary was known for her exceptional cooking, her generous spirit, and her signature Lebanese hummus. She was an active member of Bon Vivant gourmet club in Fort Worth and delighted in preparing meals for family and friends. Her faith guided her life, and she shared her love for the Lord through service and compassion. She was a devoted member of the Daughters of the King prayer group at Trinity Episcopal Church, her church home of more than 50 years. No matter what was asked of Mary, she would be willing to do it with a smile on her face. When her friends or family were in need, she was always ready with a home-cooked meal, a smile and a word of encouragement.

Amongst all of Mary’s volunteer activities, she also enjoyed working part-time in women’s fashion as a wardrobe consultant at Casual Corner in the Tandy Center, and later, for Talbot’s where she worked over 20 years. She had a loyal customer base, and had a natural skill for creating capsule wardrobes long before it became a trend. Wherever she went, she looked poised and elegant, and always made sure she was wearing her lipstick. She treated her work as a ministry, believing that she could impact her customers by encouraging them emotionally while helping them look and feel their best.

Above all, Mary was an incredibly loving wife, mother and grandmother. She nurtured her family with unwavering devotion and was known most for her loving spirit—gentle, joyful, and steadfast. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into them every day of her life.

Mary was truly a light in this world. We will forever cherish the unconditional and overflowing spirit of love that Mary so freely offered. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Katherine Fadal; her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Richard Fadal and Margaret “Billie” Fadal; her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and James Hurst; and her sister, Barbara Fadal.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack Holstein; her son Steve Holstein and his wife Mary Manson Holstein; her daughter Kathy Wetsell and her husband Barry Wetsell; and her four beautiful granddaughters, Nicole Holstein Guerra (husband Ryan Guerra), Julia Holstein, Caroline Wetsell Hansen (husband Matthew Hansen), and Anna Wetsell. They were her pride and joy.

One of Mary’s favorite scriptures: Lamentations 3:22-23

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.