Nena Hand-DeFoy

She was born in Houston on the 20th of January 1934, and is pre-deceased by her parents, Nena and Stuart Giezendanner, and her brother Stuart Giezendanner.

Nena attended Lamar High School and University of Houston.

She was married to William Hand from the 11th of July 1956, until his death on the 10th of January 1991. Dr. Vincent DeFoy and Nena married on the 26th of October 1996.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Vincent DeFoy; her sons, David Hand and his wife Laura, Stephen Hand and his wife Cindy, and John Hand and his wife Lisa; her grandchildren, Robert Hand and his wife Mary Elizabeth, Melissa Hand Hilliard and her husband Hatch, Kayla Hand, Lindsey Hand Carruthers and her husband Cameron, Elizabeth Hand, Katie Hand, Ryan Hand; her great-grandchildren, Annie Hand, Will Hand, and Emerson Hilliard. She is also survived by her stepsons Randy DeFoy and Paul DeFoy; stepdaughter Mary Alice DeFoy Lantz and her husband Kent; her step-grandchild Rachel Lantz Hull and her husband Brad; step-great grandchildren Cooper Hull and Preston Hull and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nena was a lover of people. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She relished being a boy-mom and joined alongside them for scuba diving adventures, motorcycle rides, tennis matches, hunting trips with family and friends, and many, many pool parties. She was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying the Rockets, Astros, and the University of Texas Longhorns. And of course, whatever sport the boys were playing.

Nena remained the family compass through it all. She would stay atop the boat in the middle of the Caribbean Sea with all four guys underwater so they could find their way back.

She enjoyed Thanksgivings and Christmases, especially the early years with the Blades crew. She and her sister-in-law, Eloise Blades, shared and supported each other always.

She intentionally spent one-on-one time with the people in her life and could often be found around a dinner table or lost in conversation in the living room. She kept up with current events, the latest fashions, political happenings, new restaurants, and travel – making sure she always had something to talk about with the grandkids. She is remembered for her wisdom and wit.

She always looked forward to spending time with her friends at book club, The Women’s Institute, or even traveling the world. Nena had many long-standing friendships that she held close to her heart.

She loved spending time with her husband, Vincent, often sharing hot coffee or an ice-cold martini. Nena and Vincent were active in St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and could be found discussing the latest sermon, the Wall Street Journal, or the evening news. Vincent reignited her love for golf.

Reminders of Nena will be found in soft peppermints, homemade fried chicken, and newspaper clippings.

A memorial service is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 29th of August, in Christ Chapel of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston.

Immediately following all will be invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the Chapel Reception Hall.

Prior to the service, the family will gather for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church or to one of her favorite nonprofits – Books Between Kids and Nick Finnegan Counseling Center. (Direct links provided below under "Donations."

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the "Add a Memory icon below.