Mary David Driesbock, born July 24, 1934, in Austin, Texas, passed away on August 18, 2026, after a long and adventurous life defined by curiosity, courage, and compassion. The second daughter of Dorothy and David Porter, she excelled academically from an early age, winning the statewide slide rule competition and becoming the only woman physics major at the University of Texas in the 1950s.
Mary earned her master’s degree in biophysics while raising four young children and applied her expertise for treating cancer patients at Baylor College of Medicine. A lifelong sailor, she met her second husband, Charlie Driesbock and together they embarked on an eight year voyage across the Pacific with Mary using only a sextant for navigation and surviving storms, illness, and even pirates before settling in Kerikeri, New Zealand for more than 30 years.
After being widowed for several years, Mary returned to the US, making Corpus Christi her home in 2013. Mary built a new community through church, bridge, and volunteer work. She served at the All Saints Episcopal Church food bank and was a passionate advocate for the poor and justice for all. She never met a stranger and lived her faith through love.
Mary is survived by her children Dr. Mary Dale Peterson (Dr. Rafael Coutin), Diji Peterson (Mark McAfee), David Peterson (Carri Peterson), and Tommy Peterson (Jennifer Peterson); numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many dear friends. The family extends special thanks to Dr. John Schultz, Sara Dominguez, and Maria Hernandez.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the All Saints Episcopal Church Memorial Fund.
A funeral service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 3026 S. Staples, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 on Saturday, August 22 at 11 a.m.
Posted online on August 19, 2026
Published in Caller Times