Vincenza Jowdy

Vincenza (Vee) Rizzo Jowdy, age 91, of San Antonio passed away in Houston, Texas on December 30, 2013. Vee was born in San Antonio, Texas to Italian immigrants Jim and Antoinette Rizzo on November 11, 1922, the fifth of six children. In 1941 Vee married John Jowdy, Sr. and together they had two children, John Jr. and Mary Ann. Vee became a businesswoman at a very young age and together with John had numerous business ventures during the 1940’s and 50’s. Their first business was Jowdy’s Grill Restaurant on Martin Street. Two of the businesses they owned and operated were the very popular Tiffany Lounge on Houston Street and the private night club, affectionately named for her, The Dragon Lady. When the marriage ended, Vee moved into the banking business where she remained for 30 years. She started her career at Gross National Bank in San Antonio and after moving to Houston retired from Chase National Bank. Retirement gave her the freedom to devote her life to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and assume her most cherished role as Nana.

Vee is preceded in death by her parents Jim and Antoinette Rizzo, brothers Blas and Ernest, and sisters Mary Barcellona and Florence Catalani.

She leaves to treasure her memory her sister Rosalie Rizzo, her children John Jowdy, Jr., daughter Mary Ann and husband Steve Yamin Sr., grandchildren Gina Erwin and husband Kelley, Lisa Holthouse and husband Michael, and Stephen Yamin, Jr. Her great grandchildren are Pia, Alexandria, Hudson, Lissa, Courtney and Tommy, all residing in Houston. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and life long family friends.

Nana was a woman of great character and integrity, deeply rooted in her Italian heritage. She left her legacy on the family with her famous saying, “Se Semini Patate Racogli Patate” (You Plant Potatoes You Get Potatoes). She will live on in the hearts of all her family and many friends. She was part of an Americana that is fading into the past, much like the Lawrence Welk music that she loved. She qualifies as the poster lady for Americas Greatest Generation. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She can truly Rest in Peace.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr.’s Vince Virgadamo and Amer Zaheer for their loving care.

Following a private family service with Rev. Frank Fabj the family welcomes your visit on Thursday, January 2, 2014 from 1-3:00pm at Memorial Oaks. 13001 Katy Freeway in the Chapel of Texas Liberty Mausoleum.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial gifts may be directed in Vee’s name to St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78240 or a charity of your choice.