Mary Lutz

Our Beloved Angel

Mary Agnes Lutz (Werner)'s Story

1929 - 2025

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Mary Agnes Lutz (nee Werner), 95, passed away on Mar 2, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Mary is survived by her siblings Gene Werner and his wife Earlene; Bob Werner; and Betty Ann Ward. She leaves behind a large and loving family: sons Herman Lutz III( Barbara), Fred Lutz (Sue), Tom Lutz (Tzivia), Mike Lutz (Charlene), Dan Lutz, David Lutz (Mercedes), Don Lutz (Christy), Dennis Lutz (Mary), Stephen Lutz (Heather); daughters Nancy Handzel (Phil), Rose Marie Lutz (Ron Robinson), Gloria Davis (Tom), Marian Robbins (Dan), Helen Mathews; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. All will carry forward the love she so freely gave.

Born on May 19, 1929, in Paris, Arkansas, Mary lived a life filled with faith, love and devotion to family. A devout Roman Catholic, she attended mass every week and continued to participate in services through television when she was no longer able to attend in person. Her nightly prayers reflected her gratitude for her beloved family and her deep faith in God. She found comfort in the presence of angels, as seen in the many pictures and statues she collected throughout her life.

As a child, her siblings knew she was special. They said she never said a bad word about anyone, she was very gentle and had a very big heart - she was fantastic. The perfect sister - she was "always there for us."

Mary attended St Scholastica in Fort Smith Arkansas and kept tabs on her childhood friends and school through monthly newsletters. When she attended St. Scholastica - she was in several plays. She was creative, expressive and loved theater. She attended dances put on by the Knights of Columbus and she was an excellent dancer - especially the jitterbug. After she graduated, she had a short career as an office manager.

She met the love of her life, Herman Lutz, Jr., they became great dancing partners and were married in 1950. They started a family, and it quickly grew, and she left her Office Manager job and became a stay-at-home mom. Mary and Herman grew the family to 15 children. As a team, Herman worked hard every day as a plumber and Mary was the ever-present anchor at home. Her presence established what her family knew as "home." She was always there - every day she met Herman at home after work with a kiss, dinner preparations and a mixed drink. She was a devoted and loving wife.

Mary and Herman had a strong and loving relationship that was built on common values. Both were proud Catholics and kept religion as a family cornerstone. Dinner every night was at a table handmade for a tight-fitting 2 parent-15 children family. Mary and Herman led the dinner prayer and food was passed clockwise with only one conversation at a time. Dinners were basic southern comfort food spanning meatloaf, fried chicken, beef stew, and fish on Fridays. Simple yet delicious desserts still bring a feeling of home to all her children, especially banana pudding and oatmeal cake. Mary was delighted to have her own version of a cookbook published to the family. She was happy that traditions will be shared.

Later when most children were grown, she worked in the laundry room of the Broward County Jail, where she touched the lives of inmates, talking with them and, upon hearing what they were incarcerated for she would say "now, you know that's wrong, don't you?". She always was kind but maintained a good sense of right and wrong.

Mary was a treasured wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. She lived by the values she believed in - love of God, gratitude, kindness to all, and a good sense of humor. She had a sharp mind that kept her engaged and happy throughout her long life. She maintained strong connections with her family through regular phone calls to sing happy birthday, ask about life activities, to console or just simply say "hi." She had a natural way of making each of her 15 children feel special. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome where there was always room for "just one more" at the dinner table. Because of her kindness and generosity of spirit, many beyond her immediate family called her "Mom" and friend.

She found joy in simple pleasures - completing the New York Times daily crossword puzzle and watching game shows like "Jeopardy", "Wheel of Fortune", and "The Price is Right." She also enjoyed classic television programs such as "Bonanza", "The Rifleman", and "Wagon Train". She especially liked watching "Blue Bloods" because of Tom Selleck and that the family always had dinner together and prayed before they ate - just like her family.

She liked angels. She believed that we all have a guardian angel, and they help to guide and protect us. She had pictures and statues of angels throughout her life to remind her that she was not alone. And she also believed that cardinals signify a visit from a loved one in heaven. With these beliefs, her sadness over departed family members gave way to welcome and peace when she saw cardinals and angels. We believe she is now our angel. Now, to all who knew Mary, a cardinal sighting should bring you a smile as well.

Mary lived a wonderfully blessed and happy life. She was loved by everyone. She was kind. She was humble. She was funny. She was clever. She was loving. She was grateful. She was selfless. She was content. She was just ... great. She is missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband Herman Lutz Jr.; son Richard Lutz; parents Herman and Elizabeth Werner; brother John Werner; and sister Nena Pinter. While those who loved Mary mourn her passing, they take comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who went before her - especially Dad, Rick and the angels she so deeply believed in.

Mary's legacy of kindness lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort and a peaceful smile. She is with the angels and living eternal joy. Look for her visits by the cardinals.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas or to a local homeless shelter or foodbank of your choice.

A Rosary and visitation will be held Thursday March 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 28, 2025, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, located at 2621 Vermont St., Albuquerque, NM 87110. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Livestream of the Rosary and Funeral Mass will be available.