Maria Hortensia Marcaccio

Never wear shorts

Always wear lipstick.

Avoid the sun.

-Rules of Life by Maria

Maria Hortencia Gallardo was born on May 17th, 1928, the third of five children, to Juan and “Pachiz” Gallardo in east Los Angeles, California. They were a loving Mexican, musical family and everyone had an instrument. Maria became the voice of the group, along with the occasional maracas or castanets. This skill served her well, and in the 1950’s, she was accepted as the lead singer in the acclaimed Carlos Molina Band, a popular Cuban latin big band.

While on tour in the US, the March 1954 Houston stop at the Rice Hotel proved life changing. Maria caught the eye of the handsome, suave optometrist, A.C. “Doc” Marcaccio, who loved Latin music and was immediately smitten. His nightly attendance was well noted, but Maria and the band moved on to Memphis. Her debonair suitor followed her there, and they were married six months later. Houston became their forever home.

Maria was a loving daughter, mother, aunt, and incredible grandmother. She was a woman of her times; AC was King and she was the dutiful, beautiful wife. Maria was devoted to her husband and children, being a good housewife, mediocre cook and dependable carpool mom. She was a beloved Brownie and Girl Scout leader, making sit-upons and braving overnight camping at Camp Strake. She was a fun but less than competent camper. Maria never bossed, she accepted. She was a huge football and baseball fan, learning this from her husband. Many an Oiler or Astros game she sat through and cheered on her teams. Her many California nieces and nephews idolized their gorgeous, fun, loving Aunt Ten (short for Hortencia). Trips to Disneyland with the cousin gang in her sister’s VW van were her favorite outing. Her grandchildren worshipped Grandma Maria/NaaNaa and delighted in her babysitting; she could make a whole play day with an empty cardboard box. She would take them to lunch or dinner, teaching them proper manners and to talk only about “nice things”.

Maria was a devoted Catholic and loved the Church with all her heart. She would attend mass at St. Anne, St. Cyril, St. Michael the Archangel daily, then weekly, then remotely. She insisted her children get a Catholic school education through high school. She was a longtime member of Catholic Daughters and was president for most of that time. Casa de Esperanza was a special charity she loved to support. Her lifelong commitment to the church was paramount, driving all her decisions and life path.

Maria loved dressing up whether it was for an Italian UNICO dance, dinner out or Halloween. She took grandson Marc trick or treating dressed as a tube of toothpaste and was the witch who passed out candy at Anita’s house. Her favorite food was Jamaica Almond fudge ice cream and favorite drink was Scotch. On the rocks. Her favorite card game was bridge of course. Her favorite car was her white Lincoln Continental with the trunk hump on the back hood.

Maria adored Neiman Marcus, especially the makeup and beauty department. Her extravagance was purchasing and using moisturizers and beauty creams. It worked. She also dressed to perfection, always chic, always classic. Her signature and handwriting were so elegant. Maria was a lady and truly beautiful outside and in, her entire life.

Maria’s careers were many. She taught school with her beloved nuns at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Los Angeles; she was a Spanish and Kindergarten teacher at Merriweather school in Houston; her coup de gras was being the top-dog sales consultant at Louise Blum, a Houston couture bridal salon. Maria’s impeccable and classic taste made her brides the best dressed in Houston and Mexico.

Maria loved her friends, and throughout her life there were best friends Connie (her sister), Gerry, Dorothy, Jean, Lillian. She also loved her caretaker family: Velma, Karla, Julia, Mariana and Mari, who cared for A.C. and then Maria for almost 20 years. Her final caregiver, her son Dino, gave her the gift of complete devotion and much comfort in her last years.

Maria is preceded in death by her loving husband A.C. Marcaccio, her beloved siblings and in-laws: Rudy Gallardo and wife Pat, William Gallardo and wife Terry, Jim Gonzales, and cherished son-in-law Rodney Calvert. She is survived by siblings Manuel Gallardo and wife Terri, and Connie Gonzales. She will be missed beyond measure by her five children and spouses: Paul Marcaccio, Andrea Calvert, Angela Cherner and husband Jim, Dino Marcaccio, and Anita Gaylor and husband Stuart. She also leaves her treasured grandchildren Marc Wallace, Annie Cherner, Graham and wife Gina Gaylor, Mollie Gaylor, and Sophie Gaylor.

A mass celebrating Maria’s life will be held on Friday, April 22 at 2pm at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, followed by a private burial. A celebratory “fiesta” will take place on Saturday, April 23rd at 4:30pm-6:30pm. Please contact a family member for location.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Memorial Park Conservancy or St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.