Maria T. Gelat

Born in Holland in 1942, Maria married in 1965 and moved to the United States, knowing very little English. For those who knew Maria’s determination, she quickly taught herself the language and later graduated from St. Edward’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In the late seventies, Maria founded the Parents of Gifted Children Group, urging the schools to meet the needs of gifted students. By 1979, the groups’ work paid off, and Humble ISD developed its first G.T. program, W.I.N.G.S. (Win for Gifted Students). Yet most residents may remember Maria from the greenbelt, walking her statuesque Doberman. Her first Doberman, Gandalf, became a Certified Therapy Dog. Together they visited local nursing homes and hospitals, reducing stress and brightening lives one patient at a time. Maria loved her garden (a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation), gourmet cooking, dogs, cool weather, sculpting, a sense of humor, a good bargain and a touch of magic.

Maria is survived by her husband, Antoine Elias Gelat; sons, Michael Christian Gelat & David Antoine Gelat (Kingwood, TX); son & his wife, U.S. Army Sergeant Major Elias Anthony Gelat & Jennifer Brinkley Gelat (California); two grandchildren, Ashton Gelat (American University in Cairo) & Emmie Gelat (American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NY); and a sister, Riet H. Scheffers (Rijswijk, Holland). She is further survived by nieces and nephews in New Jersey, England and Holland. The Gelat family extends a heartfelt thanks to Lyn Forster, Wendy Schneider, Eddie, the Ingham family (Brad, Fiona, Alyssa, Lauren, Bethany, Naomi, Tim & Mitchell), the doctors & staff at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the countless other caring neighbors and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Kingwood Funeral Home, Kingwood, TX.