Cecelia Cornelia Reed

Cecelia Cornelia Fernandez Reed lived nearly a century with grace, strength and an indomitable spirit as strong as the land she called home. She was born on November 22, 1925, in Brownsville, Texas, the beloved daughter of Cornelia Harrison Elliott and Ernesto T. Fernandez, and cherished sister to Ernest, Eugene, Juanita, Carolyn and Marvin. At the age of 99, Cecelia passed away peacefully at her home in Austin, Texas on February 4, 2025 surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

In 1949, Cecelia married the love of her life, Howard Victor Reed, in Mexico City, embarking on a journey filled with love, family and adventure. Together, they built a life that spanned two countries, first in Texas, and later in Tampico, Mexico where they raised their five children-Leigh Reed Moore, Victoria Reed Fenimore, Howard Reed, Jr., Carol Cecelia Reed and Forrest Harrison Reed-with devotion, wisdom and unwavering support.

Their great success as cattle ranchers in Mexico was a reflection of their hard work and pioneering spirit. Cecelia and Howard thrived in a world that demanded both grit and grace, and she embodied both effortlessly.

In addition to her skills as a cattle rancher, Cecelia was a woman of many talents and passions. She was an accomplished artist, a skilled seamstress, an avid gardener, and a formidable tennis player into her early nineties. Whether tending to her vibrant garden, painting with delicate brushstrokes, or perfecting her backhand on the tennis court, she brought creativity and dedication to everything she did. She was just as comfortable on horseback in dusty cowboy boots as she was hosting elegant gatherings, welcoming guests on her ranches in Mexico whose names grace history books.

Cecelia's true magic lay in her quiet confidence, an unbreakable resilience and an elegance that never felt forced. She carried strong convictions but never imposed them. She led with kindness rather than command and faced life with dignity and grace. She was a woman who always made others feel welcome without pretense.

Cecilia is survived by her children: Leigh and her husband Bobby Moore of Austin; Victoria Reed-Fenimore and her husband Chet Fenimore of Austin; Howard, Jr. and his wife Gloria Fuzco of Tampico, Mexico; Carol Reed of Brownsville and Forrest Reed and his wife Cara Williams de Berardine of Austin. Cecilia is survived by her six cherished grandchildren: Courtney Lambert, Garrett Bramlett, Mary Reed, Harrison Reed, Trace Reed and Clint Reed and her three great grandchildren: Reagan Lambert, Hayes Bramlett and Vida Lambert. Cecelia is also survived by her sisters: Carolyn Parker and Juantia Daboll, as well as many nieces and nephews and a most amazing group of friends.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Church of the Advent, Brownsville Texas, the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, or to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff of Westminster in Austin and Hospice Austin for their excellent care and compassion.