In Jackson and eventually Waco, Texas, Mary Lu grew up in close proximity to her extended family. Her mother, Lucille “Frankie” Gerlach Francis, her adoptive parents, Gus and Mary Gerlach Wyse, and three additional maternal aunts and uncles all lived nearby. Throughout her life, Mary Lu remained close with her older brother, Alan “Bud” Cooper.

Mary Lu’s favorite accomplishments were raising an extended family of her own, and enjoying life among friends in Weimar and Columbus, Texas.

A single mother employed as a Secretary for the Shell Oil Company, Pipeline Division, she successfully raised two children, Candace Elizabeth “Candy” Trammell and Keith Alan Koski.

Mary Lu and Joseph Frank “Joe” Sarkozy, who also worked for the Shell Oil Company, were married in 1975, built a house, retired, and moved to Live Oak Lane between Columbus and Weimar, Texas in 1982. Together, they enjoyed traveling internationally with local friends, going to dances, and attending services at the Weimar United Church. Mary Lu took pleasure in volunteering at the Columbus Community Hospital, membership in the Garden Club, the Red Hat Society, and other organizations.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe, her daughter Candy, and her brother Alan Bud Cooper.

She is survived by her son Keith, his wife Theresa Keefe, granddaughter Candace Mary Trammell, grandson Derek Arnold, his wife Rua Arnold, great-grandson Alex Sanchez, and great-granddaughter, Kira Soleil Johnston.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery, Masonic Cemetery Road at West Main Street, Weimar, Texas 78962.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.