Emile Marc Cuenod

An adored husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, Marc was born in Houston on the 14th of May 1929, to parents Emile Cuenod and Nadine Pillot Cuenod. The son of a dentist, Marc graduated from Lamar High School, attended New Mexico Military Institute, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin where he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the ROTC. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean war.

Upon completion of his service in Korea, Marc returned to Houston to begin a career in finance at American General Investment Corporation and later at Southwestern Life Insurance Company. At that time, he also met and fell in love with Martha Moore. After a brief courtship they were married on the 19th of April 1954, at Christ Church Cathedral. Marc and Martha started a family soon thereafter raising three children and, in 1964, the family moved to Galveston when Marc was recruited to join American National Insurance Company. In 2008, Marc and Martha moved back to Houston after Hurricane Ike to be closer to their family.

At American National, Marc became known as an astute and thoughtful investor. His success in growing the company’s real estate finance and securities portfolios led to Marc’s eventual ascension to the role of Executive Vice President – Finance & Investments. Equally as important, Marc was a highly regarded leader; he developed talented and successful future leaders with an approach that was firm but caring. In 1986, after a successful twenty-two-year career at American National, Marc was named Executive Director of the Sealy and Smith Foundation whose purpose is to provide financial support to the University of Texas Medical Branch. Under Marc’s leadership, the foundation’s assets grew significantly enabling UTMB to expand its service and healthcare mission to the area. Marc also served on the Investment Advisory Committee of the Texas Teacher’s Retirement System.

If you ask anyone to think of one word that comes to mind when they remember their association with Marc Cuenod you will hear words like these: Faith, Loyalty, Integrity, Honesty, Unpretentious, Practical, Leader, Funny, Friend. Marc was deeply committed to his faith, family and community and was a humble servant to all. He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston. During his forty-plus years spent on the Island, he served the church in countless ways: Senior Warden, vestry member, Trinity School Board treasurer, Rector search committee, every member canvas, building committee, chalice bearer, and usher to name just a few. He was steadfast in his commitment to the church’s mission and historical importance. He also served the Galveston community at large in ways almost too many to count: Galveston City Council member; Mayor Pro Tem; Galveston Housing Authority Chairman; O’Connell High School Board President; Galveston Downtown Revitalization Board; YMCA; Salvation Army; Lions Club; Galveston Planning Commission; Galveston Wharves Trustee; and Shriner’s Burns Hospital volunteer. In 1999, the Galveston Daily News named Marc its Citizen of the Year for his numerous contributions to the city. In the newspaper supplement highlighting his recognition, Marc was described as a “dynamic member of the community” and a “quiet leader.” A former city mayor said, “He is a businessman, but he is extremely sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. Whatever he is involved in, he wants to do what is best for the city, and he does it without trying to attract attention to himself.” In typical fashion Marc was surprised to learn he was even considered for the honor.

In addition to his role as an active and loving husband, father and grandfather, Marc was a loyal friend. He never met a stranger and had friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was a member of the infamous “Diaper Gang” at Lamar High School – a group of young men that stayed connected with one another their entire lives. Marc could connect with people from all walks of life because he was humble, honest, and genuine. He was a jokester and a cut-up, never losing his endearing boyish charm and sense of humor. Marc was a lover of all dogs, especially his rescue dog Daisy, whom he missed deeply after she passed. He remained physically active nearly his entire life. He ran regularly on the beach in Galveston, completed a marathon in his early sixties, and pursued a variety of sports including badminton, tennis, skiing, golf and pickleball - a sport he played into his nineties. By his own admission, Marc wasn’t a natural athlete, but he was determined, aggressive and never gave up.

While saddened by his passing, we are comforted knowing Marc is now with the Lord and also knowing he lived a long, fulfilling, and meaningful life.

Marc is preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Nadine Cuenod; his beloved wife, Martha; and his niece, Susie Sullivan.

He is survived by his sister, Louanne Sullivan; brother, Ronald Cuenod (Barbara Ann); daughter, Carol Vickery (Andy); son, Marc Cuenod, Jr. (Julie); daughter, Annie Cuenod; granddaughter, Christie Garella (Kiel); grandson, Marc Peeler (Krystal); great-grandchildren, Brooks Garella, Emmie Garella, Scarlett Peeler, and Stella Peeler; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Marc is also survived by his dear and loving friend and companion, Patsy Kinney.

The family would like to express its deepest gratitude and thanks to all of the caregivers from At Your Side Home Care and especially to Chidenma “Chide” Okoli who cared so dearly for our father for the past three years.

A memorial service for Marc is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 18th of March, at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue in Houston, where the Very Reverend Nathaniel Katz is to officiate.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in nearby Sanders Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made in Marc’s name to Trinity Episcopal Church Galveston, Trinity Episcopal School Galveston, Christ Church Cathedral Houston by selecting their respective icons below under “Donations” or you may donate to your charity of choice.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.