Marilyn Celeste Vanderhider

MARILYN CELESTE VANDERHIDER, age 53, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, November 22, 2015. The daughter of Elsie and Charles Clyde Vanderhider, Marilyn was born on the 14th of May, 1962, in Houston, Texas, and remained a lifelong resident of the city she loved. She was a life-long devout Roman Catholic and lived her life in constant, unwavering faith, always knowing that God was in control at all times, despite any challenges before her.

Marilyn was a dedicated member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church her entire life, from her early years of attending the church school to attending weekly services until her time of death. Many of her lifelong friendships began with those she loved from her STM and Westbury Rebelette days.

As a graduate from Texas A&M University in 1984 with a BBA degree in Business Analysis, her career commenced with Pennzoil Company, where she invested 16 years, advancing from the entry position of Marketing IT Programmer to Senior Manager – Training, Personnel & Facilities. Here she managed the delivery process of 100+ training courses to management and sales personnel across the U.S. and Canada. Marilyn added many more beloved friends from Texas A&M and Pennzoil. Despite her many successes and growing stature at Pennzoil, Marilyn ultimately chose to pursue her passion for interior design and started her second career in 2001, working for a variety of residential building and furniture/design companies while pursuing her Associate in Applied Science, Interior Design degree which was achieved in 2004.

In 2005, Marilyn joined Avenue Community Development Corporation where she served as Director of Single Family Housing for 10 years until her death. Marilyn always embraced the spirit of giving, and felt she could not only serve in the development of a community, but also help strengthen it through homebuyer education and counseling. She developed more than 100 affordable homes, helping working families achieve homeownership. Most recently, Marilyn led the development of Avenue Place, a beautiful new subdivision in the heart of Houston’s Near Northside community. Her creativity and technical skill can be seen in the attractive and functional home designs, the vibrant colors, and the new park, playground and walking trail that was completed under Marilyn’s leadership earlier this year.

Marilyn is now united in heaven with her parents and her nephew, Matthew. Her devotion to her family was extraordinary, starting with her love and commitment to her parents. She loved them dearly and lived with them for many years through their passing, sharing a life of laughter, companionship, fun and at times, hope. She always wanted to bring them happiness and comfort, ultimately caring for them in their winter season of life and being the rock of stability they needed.

As a very creative person with a deep love of the arts and crafts, her skills were reflected through the making of jewelry and flower arrangements. She had many interests, including gardening, photography, shopping and reading, but most of all she simply enjoyed being around family and friends. She loved traveling; favorite trips included her time in Australia, Europe, California as well as wonderful times at the annual family vacation in Rockport while growing up. She will long be remembered for her generosity, kindness and dedication as she touched so many lives. Marilyn will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn served as the glue that bonded our family. She was connected with each family member in her own unique, compassionate way, never missing an important date or accomplishment without a beautiful card or gift or expression of love. She was always the first one there to help pick you up when life knocked you down. Marilyn never let herself be the focus of attention as she tended to serving or providing fellowship to others. She was the most unselfish person, never seeking out personal recognition for her accomplishments or acts of kindness, always deferring credit to others.

Marilyn is survived by her loving family: sister, Colleen Lastovica and her husband Raymond; brothers, Jim Vanderhider and his wife Lynne, John Vanderhider and his wife Patty; nieces, Kelli Francis and her husband Brent, Madeline Vanderhider; nephews, Michael Vanderhider and his wife Sydney, Grant Lastovica and Gavin Vanderhider; and numerous cousins and close friends.

Visitation and Vigil service will be held at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home at 6700 Ferris St. on Thursday, 12/3, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, 12/4, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church located at 10330 Hillcroft St., followed by a reception at the church. The Rite of Committal will then follow at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery located at 6900 Lawndale Avenue. All are welcome. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Marilyn Vanderhider to Avenue CDC, 2505 Washington Avenue, Houston TX 77007; or to the charity of your choice.