Mary "Gini" Virginia Lenert Brown

Mary Virginia “Gini” Lenert Brown was born to Harold and Adelia Fendler on August 18, 1922 in Bronxville, New York and grew up on the coast of New York’s Long Island Sound and passed away peacefully in Shreveport, LA on July 3, 2024 . Gini loved the water and spent many days of her life sailing and walking on the beaches collecting seashells; with many of her last 35 years on Offatts Bayou in Galveston, Texas. She was best known in Galveston as the “Band Lady” where she delighted audiences at the Tuesday evening Summer Beach Band concerts, beginning in 1989, with her engaging tales about Galveston history. She was a member of the Galveston Historical Foundation, and served on the Elissa committee, which rescued and brought the island’s “tall ship” from Greece to a permanent berth at the Texas Seaport Museum.

 As a member of numerous civic and cultural organizations on Galveston Island, she studied into her 90’s at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), and played a leadership role in a variety of projects, ranging from political causes to appearing in local theatrical productions. She also worked in and helped promote the Galveston Island cruise ship industry and her free-lance writings were featured in numerous periodicals and publications. Her first book - Galveston: Lore, Legend, and Downright Lies was published in 2000. Her broadcast experience included hosting “Just a Galveston Minute,” a local radio show celebrating the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the city. Prior to moving to Galveston, while living in Shreveport, Gini attended Centenary College and founded a full-service advertising agency which she headed for many years. She also found time to raise her three sons, attending many football games and swim meets during those years.

Gini outlived two husbands, H.A. “Dutch” Lenert and Harry Brown. She is additionally preceded in death by her parents, brother Donald Fendler and granddaughter Carla Lenert. Surviving relatives include her three sons and their wives, Erick Lenert (Brenda) of Bullard, Texas, Steven Lenert (Judy) of Shreveport, Louisiana and Gregory Lenert (Rachel) of Los Angeles, California; Grandchildren include Hans, Heath and Heidi Lenert, Carmell and Cody Lenert and Jonah and Eve Lenert. Gini also boasted having 9 great-grandchildren with 1 more on the way.

There will be no formal funeral services; a private family memorial service is planned for a later date. The family would be honored by memorials, given in her name to : The Salvation Army of Shreveport, 200 E. Stoner Ave., Shreveport. LA 71101 (specifically for : “Carla’s Haven” (a women’s and children’s shelter) or to the favorite charity of their choice.