Nancy Gardere

Born in Wichita Falls, Texas on the 24th of August 1936, to Dorothy and Henry Penix, Nancy’s path in life took a pivotal turn when she met the love of her life, George Pierre “Pete” Gardere Jr., at the University of Texas. They were married in 1958 and enjoyed a vibrant life together until Pete’s untimely passing on the 5th of January 1996.

During their years together, Nancy and Pete were deeply involved with the University of Texas, sharing a passion for Longhorn athletics and supporting the University through their active membership in the UT Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee, the Littlefield Society, the President’s Association, the Longhorn Foundation, and Texas Exes. “Hook 'em Horns!” was not just a slogan for them; it was a way of life.

Nancy was also known for her philanthropic spirit and generosity. She devoted her time to several organizations, including the Junior League of Houston, the River Oaks Garden Club, Tanglewood Garden Club and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association. She was a longtime member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and Houston Country Club.

Nancy was deeply devoted to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her loyal dogs, all of whom adored her in return. Her infectious sense of humor, warmth, and love of storytelling made every family gathering a special occasion. The family enjoyed countless memories together in Houston and at the family lake house in Lakeway. She loved all of her friends, including the “Falls girls” and “PK”s.

Nancy is survived by her brother, Bennett Penix and her sister-in-law, Diane, whom she considered a sister. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; daughter Laura Leigh Gardere Smith (Jeff) and their children Kirkland Fudge (Jimmie), and Kenner Francis (Richard) and grandchildren Reagan, Brynley, and Addison Fudge, and Wright and Wake Francis. Daughter Molly Gardere Vaughan (Ross), and their children Henry Vaughan and fiancée Darbi Holt, Pete and Ben Vaughan. Son George Pierre “Tad” Gardere III (Heather) and their children Madeleine Mayer (Teddy), and George Gardere IV. And son Peter Alexander Gardere (Linda) and their daughter, Alexandra Gardere. Nancy is also survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Hill Gardere, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

The family wishes to thank Sherly Aghado for her compassionate care of and love for Nancy in the last years of her life. They also wish to thank the staff of Morningstar Senior Living for their kindness and professionalism.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 17th of January at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, Texas.

The family will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly requests donations be made in Nancy’s memory to Bayou Bend Garden Endowment or the Forum of Civics Foundation, c/o River Oaks Garden Club, 2503 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77098; or The George Pierre Gardere, Jr. Endowed Scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin, checks made payable to UT Austin, (note George Pierre Gardere, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in memo) mailed to UT Gift Operations, 1 University Station, Mail Stop A3000, Austin, TX 78712 or online at https://give.utexas.edu/?menu=OGPGARDERE.