Mary ‘Maureen’ Embry, 63, of Garland Texas, died peacefully at her home on November 8 th , 2023, after
a long battle with chronic pain and physical ailments. She was born August 9 th , 1960, in northern
California, raised in Southern California with her adoptive parents, and three siblings, two older brothers
and an older sister. Maureen was the youngest of the younger three children who were all adopted.
Maureen attended Chaffey High School in Ontario, California. She enjoyed socializing with her friends
and listening to contemporary Rock N Roll music and attending concerts to hear the performance of the
popular bands, among them, Led Zepplin and the Rolling Stones.
Maureen relocated to Texas in 1981, where she married and raised four children while pursuing her
‘dream’ career as a nurse. She served 20 years in home healthcare service. Maureen’s compassion for
individuals suffering, and those less fortunate than herself drew from her a dedication to caring for the
bedridden, poor, and neglected dogs. She gave generously across the years to help cloth and feed
children in poor countries, and supported pet shelters.
Holidays and children’s birthdays, Maureen prepared delicious meals for her family. During her years of
employment, Maureen worked hard to provide for her children’s academic and personal needs. She
funded memorable family vacations within and out of Texas, among them included trips to Steamboat
Springs, Colorado; Disney World, Florida; California Adventureland, and Puerto Rico.
Maureen was a friend to many, particularly on social media. She valued her longtime childhood friends
but friended many people across the years. She valued family and loved her children and grandchildren
for whom there wasn’t sufficient time to visit and enjoy.
Maureen is pre-deceased by her adoptive parents, and oldest brother. She is survived by her loving and
dedicated husband of 15 years, Michael Durham of Garland, Texas, sons Dustin Burks and Chad Burks
daughters Heather and Sheena Embry, and seven beautiful grandchildren, four grandsons, Sean, Jonah,
Logan, and Oliver and three granddaughters, Alexis, Emma, and Fiora. Maureen is also survived by her
older brother, Bob Teagle of Utah, older sister, Colleen Meland in California, her biological mother, Tess
Whitcomb of northern California, and younger half-brother, Marvin Towe of Van Alstyne, Texas.
Maureen was unexpectedly and joyfully reconnected with her biological mother after more than 60
years separation, three years ago, thanks to genetic testing her daughter underwent. This was a
wonderful experience during her sickly and painful last years of life. Their friendly long-distance
relationship was an emotional salve during a period of Maureen’s life that was limited of pleasure and
physical well-being.