Rose Marie Opella DuMay

Rose Marie Opella DuMay, a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother passed away at the age of eighty-seven, surrounded by her family in Houston, TX. Rose Marie and her husband Henry relocated to Houston in the late 1960’s. She worked for Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church as well as British Petroleum and Shell Oil.

Rose Marie met the love of her life, Henry DuMay, at a young adult group at St. Anne Catholic Church in the early 1960s. They were married on May 18, 1963, in her small hometown of West, Texas. They had one son, David Henry DuMay and many family pets. Rose Marie loved reading to David which developed a love of reading that David has also shared with his three sons. Rose Marie actively supported Catholic education at St. Francis de Sales and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, both in Houston, TX.

Rose Marie enjoyed knitting, lunching with friends, and playing bunko. She cherished her family and lifelong friends. Above all Rose Marie was a woman of deep faith. She practiced her Catholic faith by praying daily, attending mass during the week and on Sundays. In the final week of her life, Rose Marie was reciting Our Father’s, Glory Be’s and Hail Mary’s for strength.

Rose Marie had a cute sense of humor and was known for sending humorous greeting cards. She was a wonderful mother-in-law and loved being “Nana” to her grandchildren Clayton, Conner, and Patrick. Being a grandmother brought her tremendous joy from the moment each grandson was born. Rose Marie and Henry regularly attended their soccer, basketball, and little league baseball games. As grandparents, they treasured times spent together on outings and at holiday gatherings.

Rose Marie is survived by her son David Henry DuMay, daughter-in-law Mary Frances (Anderson), her grandsons: Clayton, Conner and Patrick, brother Jerry Opella, his wife Teresa, and five nieces and nephews: Jeannine and husband Patrick Dunn (Erik and Lauren), John and his wife Sarah Opella (August), Eric Opella (Abbott), Stephanie Opella Jackie Opella, numerous cousins, and many dear friends. Rose Marie’s parents Mary and Jerome Opella, and her husband of 57 years, Henry, preceded her in death. We will miss Mom, my favorite mother-in-law (‘MFMIL’), and ‘Nana’. May Rose Marie’s faithful soul rest in everlasting life with our Lord and Savior.

The DuMay family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Sundance at Woodcreek Memory Care, especially to Rashanna, and Stacey, and to Houston Hospice. The family is grateful to the physicians at Memorial Hermann Hospital-Katy. They would like to recognize two outstanding nurses, Andrea, and Jennifer, who cared for Rose Marie with the utmost compassion. Finally, thank you to our friends who have been supportive and loving. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Rose Marie to one of the following organizations or to the charity of your choice.

• Strake Jesuit College Preparatory: Attention - Priests and Brothers

8900 Bellaire Boulevard | Houston, TX 77035

Memo: in memory of Rose Marie DuMay

• Alzheimer’s Association: Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter Headquarters

6055 South Loop East | Houston, TX 77087-1005

Memo: in memory of Rose Marie DuMay

• St. Anne Catholic Church | Memo: in memory of Rose Marie DuMay

2140 Westheimer Road | Houston, TX 77098