Ileana De Leon Zeis

Ileana was born on the 22nd of January 1954 in Havana, Cuba. Her father brought his family to the United States, arriving on the 3rd of January 1961, the day President Eisenhower revoked diplomatic relations with the Cuban government. Ileana became a U.S. citizen in May of 1967.

After attending St. Vincent’s Elementary and graduation from Houston’s Marian High School, Ileana received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Nursing School in Galveston. She practiced as a Registered Nurse in cardiac, psychiatric, labor and delivery, and dermatology posts, and also became a certified Lamaze Educator. Ileana worked with obstetrical services companies in sales and management in the 90’s, and in 2000, she joined Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where as Senior Regional Account Manager for US Managed Markets, Ileana drew plaudits and numerous awards for her work.

Ileana was gratified by her accomplishments and proud of her heritage. She hoped that one day her native island would truly be #CubaLibre. Ily enjoyed music and dancing and an occasional tequila shot; she loved her family, walks on the beach, reunion weekends with old friends, and working out at the gym; she was fond of animals, especially Boston Terriers and a certain feral cat. Ileana radiated a wonderful Latin charm; she was loved and respected by many. She believed in Christ, the Savior.

Parents Frank and Cira De Leon predeceased Ileana. She leaves her husband of 34 years, William F. Zeis; children, Catherine Jane Zeis, Cira Zeis Brooks and her husband Cameron Brooks, and Lee William Zeis, all of Houston; sister, Cira Jane De Leon, MD, and her daughter Rachael of Houston; and many relatives, nieces, nephews, colleagues, friends and neighbors.

Many thanks go out for all of the prayers, love and support given to Ileana during her ordeal. The family would like to thank Dr. Luis Campos and the staff at Oncology Consultants of Houston, Dr. Angel Blanco and colleagues at Memorial Hermann and Dr. Andres Mesa at St. Luke’s Hospital. A debt is owed to dear friend Judy Fiene, RN, for her loving help and support. Honorary pallbearers for Ileana are her fellow associates at Novartis and the Marian High School Class of 1972.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 26th of January in the parlor and grand foyer of Geo. H Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A Funeral Mass is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 27th of January, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston, where the Rev. Phong Nguyen, Parochial Vicar, is to celebrate.

At a later date, the family will gather for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In memory of Ileana, consider contributions to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718.