Marie Frances Boni passed away on Wednesday, October 15, while in the hands of the Intensive Care staff at Memorial Hermann hospital. Marie was taken to the hospital for respiratory difficulties, and after a week of constant struggle, she closed her eyes, without a whimper, one final time. She was born in 1923, and celebrated her 95th birthday, on August 9th of this year.
Throughout her life, Marie was a dedicated housewife and mother of four. She lived for her family and focused every day on making sure they were well taken care of. Her training came from growing up in Houston in a first-generation Italian family, with her two brothers, and two sisters, one of which was her twin. She loved to cook, especially Italian dishes, which had been passed down from her mother, aunts, and other family members. As a pastime, she loved any kind of card game, especially contract bridge, and penny-ante poker. She would get together with her friends and family on a regular basis to play, visit and eat.
After her kids were grown and had left home, Marie lost her husband, Raymond, in May of 1987. Not used to being alone her whole life, Marie had to reach deep inside herself to survive. Being a strong-willed and resourceful person, and with the help of her family and friends, Marie found the strength to adjust to her unwelcomed situation. She made friends with the people at the market, the cleaners, the church, all of her neighbors, and just about anyone who she came across. She was never without a smile and something to talk about, especially if it involved her kids and her family.
In December, 2004, Marie faced another devastating blow. Her son, Jim, at age 57, passed away unexpectedly from a silent heart disease. The news was crushing for her, but, as before, with the support from her family and her friends, she was able to accept, and cope the loss.
Marie is survived by her sons Frank and Tom, and her daughter Patricia, a retired Delta Airlines flight attendant, who all live in Houston. Patricia moved from Dallas to live with her mom in 2008, to take care of her. Marie’s longevity is a direct result of Patricia’s constant care. Marie leaves behind three grandchildren Christopher Boni, Amanda Boquist, and Melanie Williams, and four great-grandchildren Theo Min-Ho Chung Boni, Luke Boquist, Briana and Bryson Williams.
Friends are cordially invited to a viewing on Sunday, October 21, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway in Houston, where a closed casket visitation will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by the rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be conducted on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, Texas 77024 with a reception to follow in the Community Center at St. Cecilia. Graveside service will be at 1:30 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
