Anna Marie Morales

A fifth generation Texan, Anna was born on April 6, 1931, to Mexican Americans, Ascensión and Gertrude Garza. Her father and his brother started Garza Finance downtown San Antonio where Anna grew up alongside her multitude of cousins, aunts and uncles. It is believed by some that only children are the most successful and in Anna’s case, this theory rings as true as the Catholic Church bells of St. Cecilia’s.

Anna Marie met her soul mate and future husband at the age of 15 and little did she know, this beginning of an eight-year courtship would be the dawn of the vibrant and spirited rest of her life.

Anna attended an all-girl Catholic school through high school followed by an astute academic experience, graduating at the top of her class from Incarnate Word College. There, she received her Bachelor of Science In Nursing degree on May 28, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas.

Her handsome husband whisked her away to Houston, Texas where they embarked on a quite responsible yet fun life journey. Rick started his career as a highly acclaimed architect, quickly becoming partner of Wahlberg and Morales Architects. Although Rick was a spectacular artist with mediums ranging from drawing to painting to architectural buildings all over Houston, his primary artistic expression was naturally, however, the orchestration of his wife’s loom of life. Simultaneously and with intention, he was perpetually weaving and bending the ever-changing appearance of the myriad of shapes and angles that would enter into their lives, back and forth, just right, you see, for his Anna- a fascinating geometric puzzle all her own. He mastered that part of his artisanship, as their marriage was a joyous and satisfying 59 years. She lost Rick in the physical form in 2012 but don’t you know his spirit was by her side every day until her passing. Now their souls are reunited at last.

For a no-nonsense woman, she sure did have a sense of humor. That sense of humor and her strength allowed Anna to proudly and firmly leave her mark touching many peoples’ lives throughout her nursing career. Only a woman “as strong as garlic” can grace the psych ward with her presence and nursing expertise. She loved being a nurse, exploring all nursing sectors, including the emergency room, ending up as Corporate Senior Nurse for Shell Oil, where she impressively spent the last 20 years of her incredible nursing career.

Anna was an avid reader, a bright beauty, who loved to travel from the Holy Land of Jerusalem to all parts of Europe and Mexico. When she stepped foot onto foreign soil, something magical would happen and the light of adventure would ignite her being. She’s been known to pick up local orphans and take them with her family of seven on their intrepid excursions through Mexico, just to show these homeless children a good time, out of the kindness of her heart, blessing them upon return to their point of origin. She was enamored by the Mexican culture, and loved spending time there, even taking mini rendezvous with friends to the local spas of the enchanted city of Guadalajara. She collected art, ideas, and literature from all of her travels around the world, only to come home to more lively adventure. Anna and Rick loved to entertain and have lavish dinner parties and festive barbecues, inviting laughter, dancing, and of course, mariachis in to purify their home. Anna would host a canasta group at her house, and she loved to needlepoint in her downtime.

Anna and Rick reared five stand-up children, all successful and incredible in their own unique way. Among other prized qualities, Anna’s five children, nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren all inherited her love for life, her sense of humor (that really kicked into high gear toward the end), her creative gene, her spirituality, her gift for making friends, her passion for travel and culture, her adoration and utter appreciation for the arts, fashion, design, museums, the symphony, the opera, and the ballet.

Anna Marie’s strong faith in the Lord took her far. She was one of the few who realized to keep “it“, you have to give it away- a very spiritual principle. To feel moved to help others in such a selfless way, the way Anna did, one is undeniably in contact with the spirit world. Anyone who knows Anna, knows she and Jesus were working hand in glove, and you better believe that glove was covered in jewels. On Saturdays, she would volunteer at a local downtown clinic, vaccinating those in need and at about 85 years old, her husband, Rick, insisted on driving her himself, so she didn’t have to drive on her own that early in the morning. Her devoted faith and weekly communion until the day she died kept her spirit turned on and glowing. A special little boy in her life named Henry once walked into her house, and before even seeing Anna, he looked around and proclaimed, “Whoever lives here sure does loves Jesus!” Anna was very involved with Catholic charities. She was an active member of the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, which was one of her favorite places to volunteer. She donated her time and energy to her church, Saint Cecilia’s, where she took part in feeding the less fortunate and providing them with basic needs, making sure they had power and water.

Anna was recognized and honored as one of the Distinguished Women of Houston along with eight other women in 1992. She was given the Outstanding Service Award for Recognition and Devoted Service from the Texas State Association of Occupational Health Nurses in 1992, 1993 and 1994.

We are forever grateful for her caregivers Rolanda Ehimhuan, Andrea Shields and Shondra (Shi) Adams. These women are the ultimate Dream Team, true angels sent from above.

Anna Marie Garza Morales was one of a kind, an inspiration to so many. She is forever missed yet always with us. We are beyond grateful for her presence in our lives and are thrilled that our special Ma is dancing with her loving husband, Papa, as they watch over us all. Thank you, Ma, for all the lessons and for your beautiful and awe-inspiring existence here on Earth.

Anna Marie Morales is survived by her children Debi and her husband Ray Schneider, Rick Morales, Denise and her husband Mike Renfro, Paul Morales and his wife Dawn, Mimi and her husband Mike Leasor, 9 Grandchildren and 18 Great-Grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Rosary to follow in the Hunter’s Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 15th at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, Texas 77024. The Rite of Committal to follow at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Memorial Assistance Ministries, Charity Guild of Catholic Women or a charity of choice.