Mary Jane Carvel

Mary Jane Carvel was born August 23, 1920. She lived a very long and exciting life. She was married to Vincent Carvel in 1942; however, Vincent died in WWII. Mary Jane never remarried and never had children; however, she loved her dogs, or “poochies”, as she lovingly referred to them. Her “poochies” were her children. She was also a loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved as though they were her children. To them she was lovingly known as “Aunt Janie”.

Mary Jane was a Houston socialite and was frequently seen around the Houston Social scene at the Shamrock, the place to be seen in Houston as well as many other socialite parties. Her smile was infectious and she was a stunningly beautiful woman. Mary Jane was a famous hat model and her picture was published in “Look” magazine where she was named one of “Texas’s Beauties”. She traveled to New York, Hawaii and had numerous other adventures; she loved life and all that life had to offer. She was always ready to entertain, just as long as you didn’t show up unannounced. She wouldn’t dare be seen without her hair and makeup done.

Mary Jane wasn’t just about the good times; she was a very strong, business savvy woman too. She was incredibly smart and bright. In partnership with her brother, Frederick, they built, owned and operated the Bayou on the Bend Apartments and the adjoining office building. She also independently owned and operated several other commercial buildings and rental properties. She was an extremely talented interior decorator and always had an eye for fashion.

Beyond her obvious outer beauty and sharp mind, she had a heart as big as her smile. In 1980, Mary Jane had a vision to create a sanctuary for God's creatures who had been abandoned or abused and needed a safe haven. Although she encountered many road blocks along the way, she never gave up on her dream to save animals. In 1982, Mary Jane bought and donated 2 1/2 acres of land in Brookshire, Texas to the Sanctuary for Unwanted Animals.

Not satisfied with providing merely safety to as many animals as she could, in 1983, Mary Jane turned all of her efforts to stopping the cruel and brutal manner in which the animals were euthanized in the city run shelters of Houston. After pleading with many groups and organizations she finally turned her efforts to the Houston City Council and WON! In 1985, after several years of meetings, writing letters and her non-stop drive, more humane methods of euthanizing animals were established.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary Jane Carvel’s name to the Zeke Fund which will be carrying on Mary Jane’s vision of saving animals or the animal shelter of your choice.

Mary Jane was a long time member of St. Ann Catholic Church where, during her life, she found much comfort.

Mary Jane is survived by her sister Elizabeth Deaver; her brothers Al and Fredrick Welling; nephews Michael and Ronald Scharck, Judd, Shawn, Derek, Kendall, Vincent, David, Brian, and Conrad Gerhart Welling, and Wade Cockburn; nieces Dawn Davis, Rene Schubert, Bonnie Parks, Patricia Leugers, and Katie Welling; as well as numerous great grand nieces and nephews.

Mary Jane has joined her husband, Vincent Carvel; mother and father, Ottilia and Conrad Welling; sister, Annarose Scharck; and brother, Conrad Welling, in Heaven.

Friends are invited to visit with family from 5 until 8 pm on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77024, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 pm. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2140 Westhiemer Road, Houston, TX 77098. A graveside service and committal will immediately follow in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale, Houston, TX 77023.