Jean Mary Overland Pace

Jean Mary Overland Pace was born in San Luis Obispo, California. Her childhood was spent with her twin brother (Harry, d.) and sister (Dorothy, d.) exploring the beaches, tidal pools and hills in the area. Her childhood occurred during the hardship of the great depression, so she and her twin brother created a special life: hiking, rowing their little boat in Morro Bay and sneaking into movies. They would often travel with their father, John H. Overland, to remote parts of the state; this formed her continual sense of adventure. As a child, Jean learned to play the piano and was trained as a classical pianist. She was also an exceptional artist and truly devoted to the arts. She was both a collector of art and was active in many local art groups.

Jean attended the Immaculate Sisters of Mary Catholic School, graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and was a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Jean moved to Texas with her first husband. Along the way, she befriended many people who were drawn to her beauty and outrageous sense of fun. Later, she worked as a fashion illustrator for Frost Bros. department store. As her family grew, she continued to paint, craft, design and teach her children about art and music.

In her early forties, Jean started her iconic store, Angelita, in La Villita. She was one of the first importers of indigenous Mexican clothing. “I fell in love with Mexico,” she said. She taught herself Spanish and took her children on many memorable trips to Mexico. As the store evolved, she became well known; she was always ahead of trends and had wonderful taste. Jean loved her customers and many became lifelong friends. She had her store for 52 years, and worked well into her nineties; she continued to design jewelry as she enjoyed her life among her friends in La Villita. She never lost her sense of discovery. She enjoyed many adventures with her children and grandchildren, and many trips with her late husband David Pace.

Jean is survived by her four children: Priscilla Oprandi, Dod S. Manning (Kim), Tammis Kennedy and Arthur F. Schoenig III (Rebecca). Stepson, Paul Pace. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Roger D. Oprandi, John Alden Oprandi, George I Manning, and five great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews in California, among them the families of John Clement, Suzanne Clement Parker and John Overland.

She is preceded in death by her parents, twin brother, Harry Overland, sister Dorothy Clement, her granddaughter, Elizabeth Oprandi and her faithful dog, Mugsy.

Her family and friends will celebrate her life, lived her way, at a graveside service: Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio, Tx. on July 25, 11 am to be followed by a reception.

Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Little Church of La Villita, 418 Villita St., Building 13, San Antonio, Texas 78205, 210-226-3593.