Madeline Caroline Anz Slay

Madeline Caroline Anz Slay, 55, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, mentor, philanthropist and civic leader, Madeline’s impact on her community was profound and lasting.

Born in San Antonio to Gerald William Anz and Caroline Schermerhorn Anz, Madeline was the second of five children. She graduated from Incarnate Word High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Environmental Design from Texas A&M University in College Station. Madeline began her distinguished career at Rehler Vaughn Koone Architects before founding her own successful firm, Slay Architecture, in 2000, later expanding with a second office in Laredo in 2005.

On July 4, 1998, Madeline married her partner in life and enterprise, Michael Slay. Together they transformed the old Balcones Heights city hall into Slay Architecture & Engineering. Madeline and Mike enjoyed skiing, golf, travel, Spurs games, and cherished family gatherings—especially at Michael’s family home on the Frio River in Leakey, Texas, where Madeline was a legendary hostess.

Madeline was a gifted architect, resulting in numerous professional accolades, including the South Texas Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction award; the Mayor’s Choice Award for the San Antonio Public Safety Headquarters; San Antonio Business Journal’s Best in Commercial Real Estate; Design + Architecture in Education Magazine Project of Distinction; Women Presidents’ Organization Sustainable Purpose Award; and the Historic Preservation Award from the San Antonio Conservation Society, to name just a few.

Her civic and business accolades matched her architectural prestige—she was honored with the Volunteer Leadership Award for Civic and Charitable Endeavors by the San Antonio Business Journal, the Constellation of Stars Award, the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, the True Grit Inner City 100 Award, the North Chamber Small Business Leader Award for Community Service, and the Volunteer Leadership Award for Civic and Charitable Endeavors by the San Antonio Business Journal. Madeline served the American Institute of Architecture on numerous committees, chaired their annual fundraising gala, and served as a board director for the San Antonio Chapter. Additionally, she was an active member and past president of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Madeline was the cover and featured article for San Antonio Woman magazine not once, but twice. In 2014, she was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Madeline was passionately committed to civic and community causes—mentoring students in the Northside ISD programs, serving on the Balcones Heights Planning & Zoning Commission and Convention & Visitors Bureau, founding the nonprofit Life in the Heights Foundation to support local beautification and community initiatives, and serving two terms on the Balcones Heights City Council.

Most dear to her heart was her work with organizations that lift up the most vulnerable children in our community. Madeline was a devoted board member and executive committee leader for St. PJ’s Children’s Home. She and her firm also donated their time helping with important renovations to St. PJ’s facilities, and she founded a Catholic education fund for the children there in honor of her grandmother, Marguerite Trenton Anz. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother Mary Owens Schermerhorn, Madeline also served Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), donating her firm’s expertise for two years to help redesign their facilities to welcome, care for and support the children they serve. CASA President and CEO Angie White shares, “Madeline was a kind and vivacious spirit, bringing love and light to every interaction, and her generosity and compassion for the children we serve will never be forgotten.”

Madeline was also deeply devoted to her family. She worked tirelessly to keep treasured family traditions alive after the passing of her mother, and she would drop anything to help a sibling in need. She was a constant cheerleader for her nieces and nephews, and they adored her fun-loving nature and endless supply of Jelly Belly jelly beans.

Madeline was known for her fiery spirit, boundless energy, unwavering generosity, and love without reservation. She was full of laughter, energy, and light. She gave of herself freely, cared deeply, and loved unconditionally. She was a woman of incredible drive and success. She worked hard, gave her best to everything she did, and earned the respect of many. May all who knew her be inspired by her beautiful legacy.

Madeline is survived by her husband, Michael Slay; her father Gerald William Anz and stepmother Carol Walls Anz; her siblings Bill Anz, Monica Anz Cavazos, David Anz, and Alan Anz; and her nieces and nephews Mary Caroline Cavazos, Juliana Cavazos, Alanna Anz, Anneliese Anz, Trenton Anz, Eve Cavazos, Owen Anz, William Anz, Mary Corinne Anz, and George Anz. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Caroline Gray Schermerhorn Anz.

All are invited to honor Madeline’s memory Tuesday, July 15 at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church, 111 Barilla Place, Alamo Heights. Rosary and reflection will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

If you would like to make a donation in Madeline's honor, please consider Child Advocates San Antonio or St. PJ's Children's Home.