Mary Louise Zitzmann Martel

Mary Louise Martel, age 85, of Houston, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, the 15th of September 2012, surrounded by family. Louise was born on the 16th of August 1927, in New Orleans and lived in Houston for 49 years.

Until her recent illness Louise was an active member of the West University Swinging Strings Ukulele Band which provided music and entertainment for countless individuals at Sheltering Arms, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, various nursing homes, and retirement communities in the Houston area. Louise also spent many hours making blankets and Christmas stockings for newborn babies at Christus St. Joseph Hospital.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, James Martel, Sr.; parents, Joseph Zitzmann and Isabell Hogan Zitzmann; and niece, Sheila Drexel deLaneuville.

Survivors include her sons, Charles Martel of Houston, James Martel, Jr. and wife Katherine of Dickinson, Texas; beloved grandson, James Joseph “Joey” Martel of Dickinson; sister, Shirley Drexel and husband Frank of La Place, Louisiana; nephew, Richard Drexel and wife Sandra of La Place, Louisiana. Louise was blessed with many other family and friends who will miss her warmth and joy while giving thanks for their times of shared happiness.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 19th of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at seven o’clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 20th of September, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam Street in Houston, where the Rev. is to serve as the celebrant.

The Rite of Committal is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in her name may be directed to Sheltering Arms Senior Services, 3838 Aberdeen Way, Houston, TX, 77025.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Requiescat in pace!