Maria "Mary" Briones Almendarez

Born in Onalaska, Texas on August 5, 1918 to Anselma and Simon Briones of Dr Arroya Mexico. She was the 2nd oldest of seven children born in the great State of Texas. In the year 1920 her family packed up and moved to Houston, Texas for a better life and remained residents of Harris County ever since.

Mary became the wife of Joe Almendarez, on November 16, 1945. He was a handsome Army Veteran from World War II who found the love of his life. Together their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Olga, who dedicated her life to both parents as a caregiver and provider. Mary was funny, patient, softhearted, and loved to cook and entertain. Olga described her as, “the most outgoing, happy, lovely woman around”.

In addition to being a wife and mother, she was active in church and civic responsibilities, including Harris County’s chapter of The Red Cross as a Home Health & Care Giver in 1940, organizing numerous fundraisers for Men’s senior league fast pitch, and supporting efforts for the Knights of Columbus at her church.

During a long and productive lifetime, she demonstrated in countless ways her dedication to the welfare of others working side by side with her sister at one of Houston’s oldest health food stores, Connie’s, which was located downtown. She earned the respect and affection of people from all walks of life and all ages during her working years, including those years at Shelby’s Dinette Furniture Company, where she retired after many years in sales.

One question people would always ask when they learned of her age, “what’s your secret?” Her reply, “Always enjoy every moment in life, even the ones that hurt”, make the best of it, no matter what hand you’re dealt”.

In addition, she credited her longevity to loving nature, taking care of her bluebonnets / garden and enjoying a diet rich in pork, eggs, milk, lard, sweet bread and three cups of coffee daily! All of which have kept her active and mind sharp as ever.

Mary has lived during the most eventful century of this world’s history; and in her quiet way has been a force for good and a stabilizing influence on those around her during these turbulent years. We are truly blessed to have had her with us these 103 years.

On August 6, 2019, then Mayor, the Honorable Sylvester Turner issued a Proclamation stating that day was to be remembered by the city of Houston as Mary B. Almendarez day, in honor of her 101st birthday. She was honored and smitten by the Mayor’s Proclamation.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Olga of Houston, Texas, and one surviving sibling, Rosie Briones Riojas of Houston, Texas, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Arrangements and service are by Brookside Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory and Cemetery, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas with Chapel Service at 10am, Thursday, September 23, 2021 and interment at 11am. Condolences and remembrances may be left on the funeral home’s website at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com