Guadalupe Mendez Morris

Guadalupe grew up in Sanderson, Texas , a burg which would have to double in size to be called a one horse town. She was the youngest of 13 children, born late to older parents, Pedro and Geralda Mendez.

She knew that she wanted more from life than Sanderson could give. So, in 1964, this 18 year-old woman packed her suitcase, got on a train and came to Houston. She walked cold turkey into the admission office at St Thomas University and said, “I want to go to college. “

To their credit, the Admissions personnel, after picking their chins up off the floor, helped her make it happen. Falling in love and giving birth to her beloved Max and Ruthie meant a small detour in getting that degree though.

It would be 1996 before she would receive her BA. She then went on to get her Teaching Certificate and, for the next 17 years, she devoted herself to teaching Spanish at Northbook High School.

Lupe loved classical guitar music. I came to love it too. I introduced her to mystery novels with strong characters and smart plots. We would find an author and read their entire series. We spent many happy hours sharing our favorite parts, discussing plots and characters.

She was a woman of quiet courage, tender compassion and heartfelt love. Independent of mind and the owner of a mischievous smile that could light up a room, she was her own woman.

She was devoted to her family and dedicated to her students. She is a woman I am proud to have called my wife and my best friend. I can never fill the void her passing has left.

In closing, I would like to share a poem I wrote for her on our 11th anniversary :

The slow and sylvan march of time

Has only served to ripen all your charms

A moment in your company,

An hour in your arms,

Sets my spirit free.

You and I have laughed together,

We have cried together and whatever

Tomorrow holds will do so again.

For whatever I was before we met,

I am no more

And neither are you.

Our future is set:

Where there was an "I", where there was two,

There is now and until death

Only "we", me and you.

************************************

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Morris family.