Larissa Mayer

Larissa Drawe Mayer, 59, was born to Shirley Branch Drawe and Louis Edmond Drawe in McAllen, TX. As a young girl, Larissa grew up on the Alta Vista Ranch, South of Hebbronville, TX where her father was the cattle ranch foreman. When Louis unexpectedly passed away, Shirley and the three girls moved to Alice, TX. Larissa enjoyed participating in 4H - showing her horse “Chalupa”, barrel racing and many other equestrian events. She graduated from Alice High School and decided to pursue a career in Travel and Hospitality, as a travel agent. Larissa ultimately identified an opportunity at the Johnson Space Center supporting the Space Shuttle Program as a contractor until 1995. While working for NASA Larissa developed a curiosity of outer space, UFOs, Roswell, N.M. and “little green” men. Larissa met Michael in Clearlake, TX in July 1992, they dated for 3 months and were married a year later on 25 September 1993. Larissa was an exceptional Mother, a trusting friend and loving wife, who was committed to her family and loved them unconditionally. She was beautiful and an extremely caring, giving, loving and happy person who was loved and respected by all she met and befriended. She also had a contagious laugh and personality – that was her “core”. Larissa’s personality mimicked her given name perfectly! “La Risa” which translates in Spanish to the “smile.” Her contagious laugh complimented that smile. Larissa raised her two children and was very involved, as a volunteer and supporter of their education and extracurricular activities. She was not shy to raise her hand to volunteer, to help anyone or support any effort. Larissa loved being outdoors, and spending time at Ranchito La Rissa helping with the herd. She also enjoyed anything associated with water - the beach, personal watercraft, sailing, and motorboats, but especially the home swimming pool. She has an adult beverage named in her honor; the “Larissa Special” perfect for any Texas Summer Day in the pool or at the beach! Oh, country music, don’t say or play George Strait because she knew all the lyrics to every one of his songs. She was a huge fan and loved to cut a rug doing the Texas 2 Step! Larissa was up for any adventure, especially when it involved travel or a new cultural experience - family vacations to Costa Rica, Barbados, Belize, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, The Netherlands, Australia, Germany, France, St. John and Mexico, as well as domestic transfers and vacations to the Florida panhandle, Key West, Colorado, East Coast US and Western US states. Larissa was supportive of Michael’s work assignments that took the family to The Netherlands and Vietnam. After Michael’s retirement, Larissa and Michael were able to continue exploring the Southwest US and Alaska. Unfortunately, Larissa fought the Early Onset Alzheimer’s “battle” for six long years, passing on 13 January 2026 at home with Michael, the children and extended family by her side. She won the “battle” and is free of suffering and now at peace watching over all she loved. Larissa is survived by Michael, her husband of 32 years; Marcela L. Mayer, daughter and Camilo M. Mayer, son who both reside in San Marcos, TX. Larissa is also survived by her sisters, Jade Drawe of Sommerville, TX and Marsha Drawe McHugh (Jerry) of Alice, TX, and extended family, including Micah Ray McHugh, nephew of Austin, TX and Shonie McHugh Jenkins of Montgomery, TX. The family would like to thank the Hospice staff (Jessica and Roxy) for providing exceptional personal care. A Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Church, 302 Magnolia Blvd., Magnolia, TX 77356. There will be visitation prior to the Mass and a reception following at the Church’s reception hall. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to Larissa's family and friends during this difficult time. No services are scheduled through the funeral home.

Larissa Mayer

January 13, 2026