Cora Elizabeth Meskill

Cora, the second daughter of Cora Margaret Tarpey and Richard Joseph Meskill, was a devout Catholic, raised in a loving, religious, and education-focused household. While born in San Antonio, Cora’s “growing up” years were all in Texas City with her loving parents, four siblings (Sister Miriam “Shotsy”, Richard, Jane, and Bill) and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Cora graduated from Incarnate Word College and spent most of her professional career teaching both in the Department of Defense schools abroad in Germany and Japan as well as locally within the San Antonio School District. Cora further excelled in a civil service career as a technical librarian within the Air Force Security Service, and was the first woman to receive the Distinguished Civilian Service Commendation at what is now known as Security Hill (Lackland AFB). Even after her teaching career, Cora continued to teach religious education with the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) programs within San Antonio.

Cora was a loving aunt, devoted to her nephews (Bill Jr. and Michael) and nieces (Suzanne and Mary), and a fond friend to so many in the community, especially to long time dearest friend Janie Obregon, and she welcomed numerous friends and neighbors to share in her life. She was the family historian and had close, loving relationships with the Tarpey cousins throughout her life. Cora was also a pillar of strength throughout her life and was the last of her siblings.

Cora maintained a deep devotion to faith within the Catholic Church. She never missed attending Sunday Mass, she was active in the Saint Monica’s Guild of Catholic Women, and she practiced community inclusion at every turn. She loved visiting the sisters of the Incarnate Word Convent in Houston, especially Sr. Brigid, an honorary family member, who continued to check in with Cora every week. Even with her last time on earth, Cora prayed the Our Father and Hail Mary with her family and others.

The family wishes to thank all the friends and extended family who so lovingly visited, cared for, prayed with and supported Cora during these last several years.

The Liturgy of the Word will be held Feb 13 at 10:00am at Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel, with an initial Rosary at 10:00 followed by the 10:30 service. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Incarnate Word Convent, 3400 Bradford Street, Houston, TX, 77025.