Joan Gleason

Joan was born on November 26, 1938 in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated high school from Girls Latin School and then studied Home Economics at Framingham State University. These studies led to her proficiency in foreign languages and many word games.

Joan is pre-deceased by her parents, Timothy and Emma Eichorn Hourihan, and sister Barbara Hourihan Reidy. She is survived by her two loving sisters: Claire Brassil of Walpole, MA and Kathleen Hourihan of Norwood, MA.

She is survived by her eight children and ten grandchildren: John Gleason, wife Janet, their children Patrick, Captain, U.S. Army, and Andrew, of Cincinnati, OH. Peter Gleason of Dallas, TX. Timothy Gleason, and his children Bettina and Joseph, of New York City. Joseph Gleason, wife Melinda, and their sons Griffin and Emmett, of Houston, TX. Theodore Gleason of Houston, TX. Samuel Gleason, wife Caty, and their children Julia, Nicolas, Alexia, and Bettina, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mary Elizabeth Gleason of Houston, TX. Thomas Gleason of Lake Bluff, IL.

Because of her faith and strong belief in Catholic education, her eight children attended St. Pius V School in Pasadena. Her seven sons attended St. Thomas High School and Mary Elizabeth attended St. Agnes Academy, both in Houston. When her youngest son, Thomas, graduated from St. Thomas High School, the school recognized Joan for fifteen consecutive years of attendance and active involvement. She was a lifetime member of St. Pius V Catholic Church.

Joan instilled a strong sense of faith and devotion in her children and grandchildren. She passed on the resilience that she developed for many years. She discouraged her children from compromising long-term ambitions for short-term reward. She encouraged her children to leave the comforts of home and experience things foreign to them. Her simple, standing request when her children spread their wings around the world was “to bring their mother back a nice refrigerator magnet.”

Her many hobbies revolved around the arts: calligraphy, signing, piano, and collecting Hummel figurines. Her love of architecture and design led to a passion for lighthouses. She enjoyed all sporting events, especially Notre Dame football and SMU women’s basketball.

Joan began her professional career as a book designer for Houghton-Mifflin Publishing in Boston following her college studies. Her keen eye, love for design, and passion for putting things together made her successful at this job. As a newly single mother, she re-entered the work force as a community events planner at McDonald’s in Pasadena. Her talented son, Peter, was the magician for many of her events and worked hundreds of crowds with sleight of hand in a dazzling blue velvet suit and tie.

Joan was employed by Pasadena Sporting Good for twenty years. Her loyal clientele travelled far distances for her expert views on products and to soak up her warmth, wit and gift of gab. Joan served as a County Election Judge, a telephone operator for AT&T, and a Park Ranger at the San Jacinto Monument for the Texas State Parks and Wildlife Commission. She retired from work in 2002 to be able to enjoy more time with her children and grandchildren.

Joan departs this earth having lived a beautiful, full life.

Visitation on Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Avenue, Houston, TX 77023. Rosary will begin at 7 p.m.. A funeral mass, celebrated by Bishop Brendan Cahill, will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 12 noon at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 824 Main Street, Pasadena, TX. Reception will follow in the school auditorium.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joan’s memory to: the financial aid fund of St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007, or St. Pius V School, 812 Main Street, Pasadena, TX 77506.