Jeanette Reiss Bay

Jeanette Reiss Bay, age 98, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2011 in Katy, Texas. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky August 20, 1912 and was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Vernon Bay, parents; David Reiss and Jennie Smith Reiss, and siblings; Joe J. Reiss, Mary Pleasant and Margaret Wimberly. Jeanette is survived by her daughter, Annette Bay Payne and her husband Robert, and son, Wm. V. (Bill) Bay and his wife Carol, five grandchildren; Pamela Payne, Cynthia Payne Todd, Wm. V. Bay, Jr., Brian Bay and Lucas Bay. Jeanette's memory will also be cherished by twelve great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and good friends.

She graduated from Reagan High School in 1931 and shortly thereafter Josephine Hodge's Beauty College. She operated a beauty salon of Bissonnet Street during the 1940's after her marriage to Vernon in 1935. She was a talented homemaker, seamstress, furniture refinisher, quilt maker, gardener, bowler and bridge player. Jeanette was everyone's friend and she enjoyed spirited conversations. She loved to read mystery novels and watch politics unfold on the T.V. news screens. She was a smart, vibrant, energetic person and will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.

Jeanette was a charter member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Memorial Park and for the past 30 years a member of St. Cecilia's Church.

A Funeral Service will be held 12:30 pm on Monday, February 7, 2011 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas with interment to follow. Deacon Don Bradley of St. Cecilia's will conduct the service.

Special thanks to Paolo Ilagin and Jeanette's caregivers at The Villa at Willow Colony in Katy, Texas.