Alice Mazza Rodney

Alice Mazza Rodney, formerly of Houston, passed away early in the morning of April 5, 2009, surrounded by her family. Alice, 83, is survived by her children, Susan Tyler, Robert Rodney and Rick Rodney; son-in-law, John Tyler; grandson, Patrick Tyler; brother, John Mazza; brother-in-law, Arthur Kristiansen; sister-in-law, Jeanne Moreau; and numerous nieces and nephews. Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Ridgeway Rodney; parents, Joseph and Catherine Mazza; brother, Frank Mazza; sister, Catherine Kristiansen; and sister-in-law and husband, Evelyn and Irvin Weiss. Alice was born on June 7, 1925, in Long Branch, New Jersey, to immigrants Joseph Mazza of Italy and Catherine Rafferty Mazza of Ireland. Raised in Rumson, New Jersey, Alice (AKA "Miss Alice" or "Lefty Louie" because of her left-handedness) graduated in 1943 as Valedictorian of Rumson High School. She then graduated from Katharine Gibbs Business School in New York City, and began a long, successful career in secretarial and office management work, her first employer being Fort Monmouth during the war. After her marriage to Leo in 1953, they moved to Houston in 1955 as a result of a business transfer. Although it was difficult for Alice to move away from her family and friends, she quickly made new friends and became a valued member of her new community. After taking time off to raise her three children, Alice worked for various Houston firms, including a long stint at Pacific Mutual Insurance, and, owing to her strong work ethic, she continued working until she was 79, her last employer being the Linbeck Corporation. A lifelong Catholic, Alice belonged to St. Thomas More Church in Houston, Texas, from 1965 until her move to Austin in 2006. Alice always looked forward to visits from her children and grandson. She never sent them home without a pan of homemade baked ziti or lasagna. Alice was an avid bowler and tennis player in her youth. Growing up near the Jersey shore, she developed a lifelong love of the beaches of her native state and those of Texas, especially Rockport and South Padre Island. Alice enjoyed listening to music, playing bingo, and shopping. Alice's generosity and compassion for others was without limit. Outgoing and fun-loving, Alice never met a stranger. Whether in restaurant lobbies or poolside on vacation, she was a master of starting up a conversation. Alice was a sincere listener and had genuine concern for the well-being of others. An ardent animal lover, Alice delighted in tending to her own cats, as well as feeding any stray cats that she encountered. The last three years of Alice's life were spent residing at Arden Courts in Austin, an assisted living facility for persons with Alzheimer's. Despite her illness, her sweet personality shone through, and she made many new friends. Her family is extremely grateful for the wonderful, loving care provided by the Arden staff. The family will receive visitors at Weed-Corley-Fish funeral home in Austin on Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. A funeral mass with celebrant Father George Joseph will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 8, at 10:00 a.m., with burial following at Austin Memorial Park. The family welcomes remembrances from Alice's friends and coworkers via email at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 3420 Executive Center Dr., Suite 301, Austin, TX 78731 or the SPCA, 124 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752. Alice was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor, and will be forever missed.