On Monday, April 20, 2020, Mary Louise Frank Triem Cole, mother of four daughters, passed away at age 84. Mary was born on July 21, 1935 in Miraj, India to Theodore and Loraine Frank. She received a Biology degree from the College of Wooster in 1957, and was a wife, provider, and loving mother for 60 years.

As a provider, Mary worked as one of the first women operators at the Amoco Chemical Plant in Texas City, where she monitored plant unit controls, tracing of piping systems, and loading railcars.  She often had to work graveyard and double shifts.  Mary then switched careers and sold specialty gases for Scott Specialty Gases, Airgas, and Cyltex for over 30 years.  She enjoyed working and making friends with her co-workers and customers.

Mary had a passion for being optimistic and for the miracles of life. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed card games, singing, gardening, and painting. She harmonized with any song and especially loved camp songs, Gilbert and Sullivan, spirituals, and whimsical songs. Her zeal for life was infectious and she hugged everyone she met.  She was known for her quick wit, loving smile, and her flourishing and compassionate spirit.

Mary’s parents were medical missionaries at the teaching hospital in Miraj for 13 years. Dr. Frank performed over 11,000 surgeries while they were in India and Loraine Frank provided the anesthesia for the patients. Mary lived in India until she was 6 years old and she remembered many things about growing up in India: riding an elephant with scratchy bristles, eating off of banana leaves for plates, monkeys running in the yard, and being her parents’ translator from Marahti to English.

Religion was always a great part of Mary’s life.  She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Texas City, Pinecrest Presbyterian in Houston, and Unity Church of Bay Area. She took on many roles like teaching Sunday school classes, multiple committee activities, teaching children’s choir, and being part of the church choir.  We know God will shine his light upon her.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Theodore, mother, Loraine, brother, David Frank, and Howard Cole. She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Gallegos.  She is survived by her sister, Margie Sanders, brother, Paul Frank, by Edward Triem, her four daughters, Katherine Triem Walmsley, Sarah Triem, Janet Triem Stanford, Elizabeth Triem Yeoman, by Audrey Cole, and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of her life is planned for later this year with celebration details to follow.   In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local botanical gardens or to the National Park Foundation, www.nationalparks.org, in her name.