On Tuesday, September 4, 2018, after 98 wonderful years, Anna Mae Scott left this world. Anna was a master of kindness, warmly independent, a beloved instigator of joy, gentle protector of loved ones, creatively innovative “Texas Brags” business owner and charming country girl, cook extraordinaire, believer, encourager, supporter, and endless source of optimism for all lucky enough to cross her path.
Born in Agua Fria, New Mexico on February 5th, 1920, Anna was baptized in San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the oldest Catholic church in the United States. Her German immigrant family had moved from Texas to farm in the Taos area before being called back to Crosby, Texas to take over the family farm.
Anna’s tales of life on the farm are favorites of all. Moving to Houston as a young teen, she found her first love, James E. Scott II, aka Ed, at San Jacinto High School. Ed and Anna were blessed with 50 loving years and 3 children before Ed passed away.
Then one day, a handsome stranger waltzed into her life to once again fill her world with love. The charmingly delightful Gene Rinaldi, along with his California family, added a new chapter of happiness for Anna. After 6 beautiful years together, he also, sadly left this world.
Anna filled her days with bridge games in Hillshire Village, antiquing in small towns and farmer’s barns in towns like Dimebox, Shelby, Winedale, and Roundtop long before it was fashionable. She oversaw Christmas decorating at Mark Lutheran Church, organized church suppers and school events, and spent summers in Surfside beach houses filled with sisters, cousins, and friends.
Memories of her cooking still bring a twinkle to our eyes with images of perfect meringue pies, chicken and dumplings, unmatched fried chicken, giant cream puffs, and trays of Christmas cookies made by beloved grandchildren under her appreciative watchful eye and endless applause. Magazine worthy candlelit dinners were a daily occurrence. And the food!
In 2008, the Buckingham became her home where she brought her style, charm, and fierce bridge game with her, making dear friends along the way. A highlight for her was a weekly dinner gathering of friends affectionately known as “Friday Night Live”.
Anna was preceded in death by her first husband James E. Scott, Jr., her second husband Gene Rinaldi, her son Charles Gene Scott, granddaughter Tiffany Ann Scott, and all of her 15 siblings. She leaves behind her son, James E. Scott, III and wife Brenda and their five children, James E. Scott IV and wife Jody, Joshua Scott, Jeb Scott, Chip Scott and Nick Scott; her daughter Sally Russ and husband Bill and their two children Will and Molly and niece Roxanna; daughter-in-law Judy Scott and her daughter Joy Short and husband Blair; along with great grandchildren Madeline Soto, Brayden Russ-Weeks, Kaitlyn Scott, Spencer Short, Aidan Short and Ty Short; and many nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Liz George and the entire Buckingham staff, Karena Kirk and her wonderful caregivers at Always Best Care, MaryLynne Cappelletti and her Comfort Moves Team and the nurses of Kindred Hospice.
A visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Thursday, September 6 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1515 Hillendahl Blvd., Friday, September 7 at 10:00 AM. Graveside ceremony and reception to immediately follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast.
She will be deeply missed.
