Mary E. Llanas, 96, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Home Inspired Assisted Living in Somers, WI.
She was born in Austin, TX, on April 16, 1930, the daughter of the late Gabriel and Louisa (Rivas) Duran.
On December 26, 1948, she married Fernando Llanas in Austin, TX. He preceded her in death on May 9, 2011.
Mary grew up in Creedmoor, Texas, and on January 29, 1949, she moved to Kenosha, WI.
She was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Christian Women’s Group, Latin
American Society, Las Hijas de Maria (The Daughters of Mary) in Austin, TX, and was a former Cub Scout Leader.
She was a loving wife, wonderful mother, and doting grandmother. An exceptional role model to her family. A woman of strong will, devoted to her faith and church, a naturally hopeful, positive person. Mary sang all the time, even days prior to her death. She had a heart for serving others and a warm, friendly smile. She gave love and received love.
Mary also enjoyed reading in Spanish and English, watching baseball, sewing, and cooking for others. Her family will miss her warm tortillas and chicken soup. Most of all, she looked forward to her annual trips to Texas, visiting her sisters, brothers, and their families. Her favorite flower, the Texas Bluebonnet, was her vision of beauty.
Throughout her years as a housekeeper, Mary worked for several Kenosha families. She was in high demand, trusted, dependable, and highly capable of taking on any task. One special family, the Heidis, she regarded as her extended family. Her work brought her great joy and many lasting friendships.
Mary is survived by her seven children, Ernesto (Kelly) Llanas of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Alberto (Sharon) Llanas of Delavan, WI, Anita (Jim) Gibson of Eden Prairie, MN, Fernando (Tina) Llanas, Jr. of Somers, Armando Llanas (Steve Gehm) of Cecil, WI, Sylvia (Mike) Buckman of Milwaukee, and Alfredo Llanas of South Milwaukee, WI; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and her brother, John Duran of Temple, TX. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, many brothers and sisters, and one grandson, Steven Rera.
Prayers will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m at Proko Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The family would like to thank Home Inspired Assisted Living and the Kenosha Hospice Alliance for their wonderful, kind care of Mary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Kenosha Hospice Alliance would be appreciated by the family.
