The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Pictured from left are Lucy Fields, Kirk Roccaforte, Mary Dillow, David Rutledge and Scot C. Shaffer.

The Bridge Chamber of Commerce held its first Mother of the Year contest this year. The Chamber received numerous nominations, all of which were for very deserving mothers in the Bridge City and Orangefield areas. After careful consideration by the Chamber Ambassadors, Mrs. Mary Dillow was awarded the honor. Mary is a lifelong resident of Bridge City, married to Russell Dillow. They have four children each of whom graduated from Bridge City High School and six grandchildren. Mary retired from Bridge City ISD after nearly 30 years teaching Kindergarten through 8th grades as well as special education and librarian. While teaching and raising four children, she cared for her elderly parents.

Dillow also served as Eucharistic minister and Religious Education Director at St. Henry’s Catholic Church for many years. Currently, Mary cares for one of her grandchildren while her daughter is at work. She also assists her daughter-in-law who has been suffering from cancer for the last 12 years by doing whatever is needed such as cooking meals, doing laundry and taking the grandchildren to school. Mary’s son, Tyson Dillow, said, “She is strong, compassionate, generous and selfless. She is a caregiver and asks nothing for herself. Nothing is too much and she is never too tired to help whoever is in need.”

Mary was presented her award May 10, at the Bridge City Chamber’s monthly coffee hosted by FivePoint Credit Union. Mayor Kirk Roccaforte read the City of Bridge City’s proclamation for Mary Dillow, Mother of the Year 2016 and Mayor elect David Rutledge presented it. Mary received a tiara, sash and embroidered silk bag from the Bridge City Chamber along with gifts from several local merchants.