Ethel Jacqueline Moore

Ethel Jacqueline Moore, 83, died peacefully on December 9, 2017, after a long struggle with pneumonia. A native and lifelong Houstonian, she was the youngest of six children to Edward and Agnes Bottera.

Ethel graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, where she was an enthusiastic member of the swim team and Scottish Brigade. In 1953, she married the love of her life, William D. (Bill) Moore (raised a few blocks from Ethel), who had recently graduated from Texas A&M. After serving his country in Korea, Bill’s work briefly took the couple to Ohio but they soon settled in Pasadena, Texas, where they lived and worked until retirement.

Ethel raised five daughters and one son and was extremely active in their school, Scouting, band and athletic activities, while also finding the time to serve in roles as Swim Instructor and Girl Scout Leader and regularly participate in the PTA and local bowling leagues. She was a devout Catholic and fixture at countless church activities.

Family and friends were Ethel’s passion and strangers could expect to quickly feel like part of her family. Everyone will miss her infectious smile, fantastic sense of humor and enthusiasm for people and life. Ethel was also an avid quilter, as displayed by her beautiful work both in her own home as well as those of lucky family members and friends. Always a great cook, Ethel’s shrimp gumbo, biscuits, spaghetti and Thanksgiving dressing will be especially missed.

Though Pasadena was their home, Ethel and Bill also raised their children at the beach and owned beach homes in Crystal Beach, Texas for decades, where they ultimately retired. While her family holds those times on the coast so very close to their hearts, it was Ethel who was born with salt air in her blood. “Sand between her toes” always made her smile and she desperately missed the Gulf Coast when life and health got in the way.

Ethel is survived by her loving husband, William D. (Bill) Moore; sister, Evelyn “Baby” Spalding; daughters, Karen Morrison (Kent), Julie Moore, Laurie Jackson (Malcolm), Pam Matula and Angela Delaney (Michael); son, William E. (Bill) Moore (Celia); ten grandchildren, Alex Morrison (Courtney), Erin Abernathy, Jenny Morrison, Sean Matula (Megan), Nicholas Matula, Bill Abernathy (Erin), Craig Abernathy; Kate Grayson (Jared), Frank Matula, Regan Moore; two great grandchildren, Avery Morrison, Leah Abernathy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in Ethel’s name to the Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church “Capital Campaign”. Mail checks to Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church, PO Box 687, Dickinson, TX 77539 or donate online at Truecrosschurch.org