Ethel Cook Greaney

In her firm belief in eternal life, Ethel Cook Greaney departed this world on August 7, 2011. She was born on November 25, 1926 in Hartsville, S.C., the daughter of the late Judge Don Carl Cook and Lucille Padgett Cook. After graduating from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. with a B.S. Degree in Commerce, she moved to Houston and was employed by Humble Oil and Refining Co. (Exxon Mobil) as a secretary. Later, she was the secretary to the manager of the new Petroleum Club in the Rice Hotel.

After marrying her beloved husband, George J. Greaney, Jr., her family and many friends became her major interest. Except for nine years spent in Western Pennsylvania, where her husband was promoted to VP of World Sales for Elliott Co., she spent most of her life in Houston and El Lago. While in PA she was a member of the Westmoreland Garden Club and the Literacy Society in which she taught illiterate persons the Laubach method of reading. After returning to El Lago, she was a member of the Houston Symphony League Bay Area, the Women’s Club of South Shore Harbour Country Club, and the Windemere Sail and Racquet Club. Her love for music, tennis, golf, sailing the bay, needlework and bridge were among her many interests. Through her world of travels, art, ancient world and Christian history became strong interests in her life. As her children often said, “Mom is a walking history book”.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, devoted and loving children: Pat and Mary Alice Greaney, Pamela Ann Greaney, Catherine and Tom Reilly, and Robert and Stacey Greaney; grandchildren: Patrick, David, Kevin, Robbie and Sarah Greaney, Thomas, Candice and Therese Reilly; sisters and brother: Geraldine Evans, Emma Mims and Ernest Cook; sister-in-laws: Carol Greaney Wurst and Elizabeth Cook; and numerous nieces and nephews.

“Mothers, in a most unique and wonderful way, make the presence of God real for us, their children. A Mother’s love can only be experienced and never fully explained-just as God’s love. A mother’s love, like God’s love, is that is rich in mercy and forgiveness. A mother’s love, like God’s love, is most greatly appreciated when it is shared. We honor our mothers best when we love one and another and how we love one another.” Our mother loved us- and we loved her. We are grateful to God for the beautiful gift He gave to us- Ethel. You are forever in our hearts- Pat, Pam, Catherine, and Robert.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, August 12, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas, 77598. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10:30 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Road, Houston, Texas, 77062 with Fr. Bob Barras officiating, followed with a rite of committal in Forest Park East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Houston Symphony League Bay Area, P.O. Box 57425 Webster, Texas 77598 or to Helping Hands, St. Bernadette Catholic Church.