Sending my heartfelt and sincerest condolences to Felicia’s family and friends. I had the great pleasure of meeting and learning with Felicia during our time attending the LBJ School’s executive master in public leadership program. I remember her as witty, fun-loving, and so insightful.  May her memory be for a blessing always.

August 14, 2022, on Washington Street, in Old Town, Marblehead, Massachusetts.

50 years of friendship. What needs to be said? I love you and will truly miss you!!❤️💜🧡

Wow, it's hard to write this.  Felicia was such a great person and a great ambassador for the GIS community in Texas.  My heartfelt condolences to all of her family and friends and all of the people she had a positive impact on throughout her time.  i didn't see you much lately, but when i did you always had a big smile!  i'll miss you Felicia, but know what an impact you've had on me and many, many others!  Godspeed!

I am so sorry to hear about Felicia. I can feel your pain and specifically, that which only those that have lost a close family member can truly understand.  Attachment is vital…human connection is vital.  It quite literally is what makes us who we are, in the home, in the workplace, in life. It therefore is deeply painful when those we love are suffering and, worst of all, when we lose those we love, those whose attachment has defined us and sustained us. I lost both of my parents to cancer. They were too young when their spirits slipped free of their bodies.  I raged at my inability to save them from this disease and wrestled with the eternal question of why those we love must suffer. I am no closer to the answers now than I was then. But I do know this. I am what I am because of the lives that my family members lived. We attach to one another and influence one another, and in so doing, become a part of one another. The spirits of our loved ones live on in us because they have become an essential part of who we are. The world feels greatly diminished by the suffering or loss of a loved one, but even diminished our world is vastly a better place as a result of the life that our loved ones lived while they were in it. I wish I could tell you that the pain goes away. Kids, I can tell you that your mother will always be with you and, that never goes away. 
My condolences to the girls and family, Rick Sasseen

I met Felicia when I was an intern at TNRIS. She was always friendly and helpful. It was a pleasure to work with her. She will be missed.

2021
I’m so blessed to have so many wonderful memories of Felicia over the years. She’s was not only my mentor and team lead, but she was a dear friend who was always smiling and always so uplifting. The world just won’t be the same without her.. My deepest condolences to her family.

Dear Felicia, although we weren't related by blood, we were by heart. You became part of the Parra-Arévalo family. 
We shared a lot of moments and beautiful memories that will be cherished in our hearts.  
We love. God bless you. Rest in peace.

Dear Friends & Family of Felicia,

I had to the pleasure of working with Felicia when she was the Director of Texas Natural Resources Information System. I always enjoyed her bright smile & whit. Felicia was always a breath of fresh air when she entered the room! It was great to have her as a fellow Geo-Woman!

My deepest condolences for your loss. May she always live nestled in your minds and hearts. God Bless.

Erin Fashoway (Montana)

My heart-felt condolences and prayers  to the family. Our fun-loving, beautiful, and courageous friend Felicia was an amazing inspiration to us all.  May she RIP.

Felicia was one of the first people I met when I moved to Austin in 2003, and was very friendly and welcoming toward me. She was so much fun to be around, her joy, humor and kindness were contagious. I was fortunate to be able to know her in a work capacity over the years, but I was absolutely blessed to be able to call her my friend.

Much love goes out to  Felicia's family and friends as we celebrate her life.
I remember her presenting the story of her experiences as a speaker at the 2018 GIS Leadership Academy in Austin. I felt a deep kinship with her as she described her perseverance and achievements. Felicia is an inspiration and a sunny smile in my heart. It always hurts when a bright light like her moves on. Her beautiful spirit and kindness really impressed me and all who know her!

Felicia was wam, funny, caring, loving, and a true friend. In about second or third grade, we were having corndogs in the cafeteria at O'Connor Elementary. When I told her how much I loved corndogs, she said, "Oh, then I'm going to call you Curly Corndog!" That nickname stuck. This photo was taken at our 30th high school reunion. Our last text conversation a few months ago was about how much we loved each other and how grateful we were for our friendship. I'm glad she was a consistent part of my life.

I knew Felicia from her Marblehead, MA days.  A positive, energetic force of nature & a great mom too as we know from how well her kids turned out!

Never a dull moment with these two wonderful people!

You taught me so much about life on how important it is to love and respect yourself before you can share it with people you care about. My life before meeting you was limited and inexperienced which thrived on assumptions I only did things within my comfort zone so I wouldn’t have to look inward then you came along and shattered my narrow view of life and you had this incredible ability to see the beauty in everyone, That no matter what our circumstances were that we could create and live a life filled with meaningful loving relationships. Your courageousness really was inspirational you taught me and still are teaching me that life is what you make of it. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself you were a sage of beauty and kindness. I’ve been blessed for having known you,  Chief.

25+ years ago this woman walked into to TNRIS looking to make a change in her life. She succeeded wildly! But in the process she also changed all of our lives for the better. 
I believe that life is not about quantity but quality and Felicia's life was rich because of all of you. That spark! That smile! it will remain in our hearts.

I was fortunate to work with Felicia on a few projects with the State. It was a joy to work with someone that was smart, dedicated and always went above and beyond to do the right thing. I feel very grateful to have known Felicia for a few short years. She was one of those rare individuals that after a meeting, you were a little happier and had a smile on your face just from being around her. My condolences to her family and close friends, I know losing her will leave a huge void in your life.

I’m deeply saddened to hear of the loss of such a kind and brilliant soul. I had the privilege of working with Felicia on GIS projects supporting our 911 stakeholders, and it was always such a joy. Felicia’s warmth, intelligence, and vibrant personality lit up every room. It was truly an honor to know her. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with her family, friends and loved ones.

With sympathy, 
Monica Watt

I met Felicia at TNRIS. We became instant Friends. I will miss her. My condolences go out to her Family.

Rest in peace my dear Friend.

Carol McElroy

This world is now slightly less bright without Felicia in it.  She was always an incredibly fun, happy person and you never saw her without a smile on her face. She made her mark on the world of GIS in Texas for which she will always be remembered. Felicia was a dear friend to me and many others and truly a bright spot in all of our lives. She will not soon be forgotten.

I am so sorry to hear this. She was a joy to know and someone I admired so much.

Sending love & our deepest condolences. Felicia had a bright smile & a big heart! I feel fortunate to have known her & call her my friend. Our thoughts are with you across the miles. 

Love, 
Hiliary & Kolb

Felicia was such a sweet and beautiful woman. I remember her well. My heartfelt condolences to the family. My prayers are with her and may she rest in peace. 

Many fond family memories...
Rick Sasseen

My sincere condolences to her Family.  She was a Bright Light in the GIS Community.  I always looked forward to the GIS Forum every year and she was a big reason for that.  She was a great presenter, always upbeat, smiling, friendly and very knowledgeable.  I'm not a morning person, but her presentations always got me going in the morning and even more excited to learn about new uses of GIS.  She will be sorely missed.

Lots of great memories made here at the Draught House Pub & Brewery! Left to Right: Richard Wade, Joseph Rincon, Felicia Retiz, Paul Buschow, Brent Porter, Greg Smithhart, Gordon Wells.

Hello:

I am so sad to hear about Felicia's passing. I worked with her for many years in GIS when she was at TNRIS and we lived in Austin. When we moved to Houston, she was so sweet, and she said "Austin's loss is Houston's gain!" 

I never forgot her words, or her kindness. She was always so positive. My sincerest condolences and I am sorry I won't be able to make her service. 

Best regards,

Karen Steede-Terry

Felicia was one-of-a kind and will be missed by so many.  She said she was my "sister from another mister" - so grateful and blessed that our lives crossed.

Felicia was such a joyful soul and will be missed greatly by anyone who had the chance to know her.

I met Felicia in Austin through dancing. She was so warm, bubbly, and inviting that everyone instantly loved her. She was one of the kindest people I know and always made others feel welcome & special. It was an honor to know her.

Felicia and I worked together at TNRIS for many years. She was a mentor and dear friend. She always brightened our office with her energy, smile and singing! :) I love her and will miss Felicia deeply. I am sending all my love and comfort to all her friends and her gorgeous family of which she was so proud.

I’m so sorry to learn about the passing of Felicia. She was a vibrant, radiant, beautiful, and kind person that you could be friends with instantly. She had a big heart that you can open up to as if you knew her for years. She will be missed so much. 

I pray for the strength for and send my sincere condolences and love to Fernando and the family.

Felicia was a once-in-a-lifetime incredible person. She was a sweet soul with an infectious smile who embraced life and always left a huge imprint on our hearts. Her positivity was unmatched, her gentle demeanor beloved, and above all, her devotion to her family was priceless. 

My heart always jumped with joy when I saw Felicia. We loved chatting about travel, family, dogs, and life adventures. Christoph and I are heartbroken to learn about Felicia’s passing, our beloved friend and neighbor.
No matter what she was going through, she always smiled and embraced life, showing strength and grace in every situation. When I showed sadness and shock learning about her recent unsuccessful treatments, she smiled broadly and said, “Rena, I’ve had a wonderful life filled with lots of love, and I am grateful for everything. There is nothing I should be sad about. I’ve lived a great life.” 

May Felicia’s spirit continue to shine through the love she gave to everyone around her.
In loving memory.

Felicia was an angel on earth.  She was a true compassionate person that always seemed to see the best in everybody and every situation.  We met >25 years ago in a prior career of mine and years later after I had changed careers, we were able to reconnect and work together on a Texas State project.  Her infectious smile and vibrant personality  always shed light in the room.  Peace be with you!  Th 4:13-18

Rest in peace my beautiful friend. I will love and miss you forever 🙏💜🙏

Fernando
I am just speechless , I can’t believe what I just saw.
Sending you my deepest sympathy.
May she rest in piece and I pray you find some level of comfort with family and friends 
I wish I would be closer 
Take care my friend 
Elisabeth

Some of our very best times together was enjoying years and years of ACL together. Even with our long good-bye, it does not make missing you any easier. Love you always my soul sister. 
Nina

Our hearts are heavy to learn about Felicia's passing. Although we didn't know her very well, she made an impact on us with her kindness, bright smile, and how good she made us feel. She will be missed. XOXO

Love,
Ray and Kristen Rosado

The first one to always make me feel loved, seen, and welcome, with the best hugs and laugh in the world… supportive, encouraging, and always ready to have fun - a shoulder to cry on and a cheerleader to celebrate with…. Just the best. I will do my very best continue your legacy, and tell your story of a brave and strong women who touched many. Thank you for sharing your journey with me.  Love and miss you. ♥️

Sincere condolences to the family. I know Felicia through work and always admired her ability to make everyone seen. Her joy was infectious and will always be remembered. May her soul rest in peace.

Dear KD and Zoe,
I cannot believe to be writing this. I loved your mom.   I knew her when we were both young moms.   Her smile and her laughter is something I loved about her.  She lived life boldly and strongly.   I loved that about her.   She loved you both SOOO much.   Always remember, this helped me when my own mother passed, is that her life will forever be reflected in you as she lives on mirrored in you.    Thinking of you Both now. Sending as much Love and Thoughts your way.  Love you both.   I have such Terrific memories of her and Keith during your tennis years.  My, how time flies- I sure miss that season of life.  Sincerely.   Laura Lansing

I’m sorry for the loss of my friend Felicia she is not suffering anymore she will be missed dearly 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

One of the best damn group of folks I've had the pleasure of knowing! I miss you Felicia but you are outside of it all now, and knowing you - probably singing and laughing.

I didn’t realize until today, how much of a 2nd mother you have been to me. You have always been there, a neutral and supportive ear, always positive and always fun. May we forever celebrate you and your love for each one of us.

OBITUARY

Felicia D. Retiz

June 15, 1967 – June 3, 2025

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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