Lucía Palacios Calzada

Lucía Palacios Calzada, 60, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023. She was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on September 5th, 1963 but shortly after, her family moved to Laredo, Texas in 1964. Lucy attended and graduated from Raymond and Tirza Martin High School in 1981. During her time at Martin High School, she played the Clarinet for the high school band - La Banda del Amino - where she made 6th chair her freshman year against 14 upperclassmen and 1st chair her remaining 3 years. Individually, she won 9 medals in regional and state Solo & Ensemble competition and she placed in top chairs at District, Region, and Area competition. In 1985, she went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Lucy had a career in research as a Medical Technologist for 3 years at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas. During this time, she met her future husband George Calzada. She then moved to Houston and got a job at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Veterinary Research Lab. Lucy and George were married in 1990. After 2 years in the research lab, she transferred to the Clinical Chemistry Lab where she worked for 10 years before working as a Contract Specialist in Sourcing and Contract Management for 5 years; then becoming a Sourcing Specialist for 5 years; and then a Contract Manager for 4 years at MD Anderson Cancer Center. In recognition and appreciation of all her service and dedication to MD Anderson Cancer Center, she was presented the Silver Service Club Award for 25 years of service. After 27 years, she retired from MD Anderson Cancer Center.

She was an avid volunteer at her daughters’ Elementary School in their class and library, as a Catechism Teacher for the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, and throughout her career at MD Anderson by volunteering for many institution programs such as the SGK Breast Cancer Walk, the Pediatric Halloween Parade/Festival, the Anderson Idol (MD Anderson’s “American Idol”), and much more.

In 2002, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer and finished treatments in 2003. After beating cancer, she joined MD Anderson’s Employee Cancer Support Group and the Anderson Network where she was matched up with current cancer patients who had the same type of cancer. She would share her experiences and give comfort, support, and hope – letting them know they are never alone. In 2006, Lucy was featured in the hospital newsletter – The Messenger – where she shared her inspiring cancer story. A few months after, she participated in a Fashion Show that catered to cancer patients/survivors. After 14 years of being in remission, she was diagnosed, in 2017, with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. The doctors told her this diagnosis was treatable but not curable, that she had about 2 to 4 years left but she wasn’t about to give up. She fought hard, gave it everything she had, and continued living her life doing the things she enjoyed with her heart full of love, laughter, and in high spirits for another six years. In the end, she didn’t let cancer win.

In her spare time, Lucy enjoyed crafting, gardening, doing puzzles and playing games with her family, going to concerts and plays, and watching all her favorite Houston sports teams. She also enjoyed volunteering for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, playing Bunco, and being a member of the neighborhood Women’s Club and Water Lilies.

Lucy was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind countless of beautiful memories. All who loved her will never forget her generosity, kindness, and love for them.

Lucy is preceded in death by her parents María Elisa Palacios and Pedro Palacios; her sister Rebecca Palacios. Lucy is survived by her husband of 33 1/2 years George Calzada; her two daughters, Rebecca (Edward) Kepfer, Lindsey Calzada; one grandchild Liliana Kepfer; five siblings Delia (George) Escamilla, Pedro Palacios Jr., Luis (Marbelyn) Palacios Sr., José (Myrna) Palacios Sr., and Martín (Catherine) Palacios. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In loving memory of Lucy, we invite friends and family to contribute to the cherished recollections of her life in the Memory Section of this page. Kindly share a special memory, your favorite scripture/poem, or any heartfelt words that capture the essence of Lucy. Additionally, we encourage you to share your favorite pictures with us. These images will serve as a beautiful tribute, preserving the moments that defined her warmth and spirit. Your contributions will help create a lasting memorial for Lucy, honoring the impact she had on our lives. They will be collected, printed, and given to her family in a Memory book.

A visitation for Lucía will be held Monday, December 11, 2023 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Monday, December 11, 2023 from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Monday, December 11, 2023 from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.