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BORN
1927
DIED
2019
Ava Mears Obituary
1927-2019
Ava Jean McDaniel Mears passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children on January 6, 2019. Born in Alhambra, California on May 1, 1927, Ava Jean was the youngest of two daughters of Mildred and Lock McDaniel Jr. While in High School, she heard the tenor Jussi Bjoerling sing, inspiring a life-long love of opera. She studied English and history at Rice Institute and, after graduating in 1949, studied at the University of Oslo, then hitchhiked through Europe before returning to Houston. While working as the first secretary of the Contemporary Arts Association, she met the artist Herb Mears during a silk-screen demonstration. Herb proposed on their first date and they married six weeks later. Ava Jean and Herb began an adventure-filled life together centered around raising their three children, travel, and the arts, both visual and performing. In 1966, Herb and Ava Jean moved the family to Antibes, France for a year. She took cooking classes in Nice while Herb painted in a studio behind the apartment, the children attending French public schools. Returning to Houston, Ava Jean worked for Houston Grand Opera, in public relations and later as archivist, which for 35 years brought her into contact with writers, composers, directors, musicians, set designers and singers from around the world. She was the devoted opera fan who would attend every performance of every production, including dress rehearsals, and could be seen backstage after performances, waiting to congratulate performers. Ava Jean was gregarious, passionate and supportive of liberal causes. She will be dearly missed. Ava Jean is preceded in death by her husband Herb Mears, sister Tex Elman, nephews Corey and Jeff Elman. She is survived by three children Hilary, Kirby, Andrew, daughter-in-law, Kathleen Baker Mears, three grandchildren Will Rhoades, Louis and Elliott Mears. The family is grateful for the lifelong friendship of the Vickers family, the late Robert Vickers, wife Inga and their children and families. The family would also like to thank Ava Jean's wonderful caregiver of the last year, Cecille Hincayog. Services will be held Saturday, February 16th at 4PM in the chapel of the Rice Memorial Center on the Rice campus. In lieu of flowers, donations to Houston Grand Opera Studio would be greatly appreciated.
Photo credit to:
Jim Caldwell
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Memories and Condolences
for Ava Mears
Chantal, Parviz, Elianor Vessali
January 25, 2019
Our wonderful Host Family. I do not even know where to begin. From our very first Thanksgiving to our first TexMex party around the pool at Pifer. From culture shock to a deep love for the "Texas Way of Life". From the Opera to the Ballet, to the Art Scene and Ars Longa.....so many cherished memories, so much love. You made us American.
THANK YOU.
Ann & Robert Sandman
January 23, 2019
Andy, so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Even though we never had the pleasure of meeting her, we feel like we know her through this beautiful tribute to her life. Our sincere condolences to you and your entire family.
Bob and Ann Sandman
Dee Anderson
January 16, 2019
Andy, Kirby, Hillary...condolences and peace be with you. Fond memories of the Mears/Vickers Easter parties with a 3 legged race, sack race and the prized egg toss...joy brought to the neighborhood. Prayers sent your way. Love,
Karen Kane
January 15, 2019
Hilary,Kirby and Andy,
Sincere sympathy on the loss of your amazing mother but what joy for having her in your lives for so many years!Your parents were honorary grandparents to my two boys, attending Grandparents Day at St. John's with the greatest enthusiasm. They were also the most fun guests at a party! I did a "talk show" party and Ava Jean came as the mother of Madonna. So warm, so gracious and generous. We're lucky to have some of your father's art. I'm looking at "Longtime Friends" as I write this. Love to all of you. She and your dad live forever in our hearts.
Allison (Sheer) Boomer
January 12, 2019
Hilary, Kirby and Andy, I loved both your parents so much. Ava Jean was always so welcoming to me and such a generous person in every regard. I remember many fun and delicious home-cooked dinners at your family table after us kids had been playing outside all afternoon. And being introduced by your parents to The Beatles - so cool! The special times during my childhood spent with your family are memories I hold dear. Friends forever...Love, Allison
VG
January 12, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ava. May the cherished memories of your dear one help sustain you during this time. May you find comfort in Jesus promise of the hope of everlasting life at John 6:40.
Carol Riewe
January 12, 2019
I will never forget how Ava Jean and Herb always wanted the neighborhood kids to call them by their first names. My parents didn't allow this of course, so I always felt cool and hip when playing at the Mears/Vickers central. Ava Jean was a beautiful, intelligent, cool woman who treated all us kids with respect. I felt such freedom while playing with the neighborhood gang at M/V central. I will never forget that feeling, ever....Thanks Ava Jean for leaving your mark on me and others whose lives you touched.
Kyle Fake
January 12, 2019
What a wonderful woman!
January 12, 2019
Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving god promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13)
Sheila Hartis
January 11, 2019
A woman who loved a good party, friends and her wonderful family, and her job working for the arts, never afraid to mix business with pleasure. Farewell, Ava.
Sally Lehr
January 11, 2019
Hillary, I'm so sorry for the loss of your loving mother. Your family had just returned from Antibes when you were in Sophomore English in my class at Memorial HS. I remember you vividly using French constructions in your sentences. What an adventurous mother and father you had. I had no idea about her love of opera. You had such an artistic family. And your father was a talented painter, famous in Houston at that time. I know you will draw comfort from your family in this time of sorrow. I still see Herb's
paintings in the houses of my friends. My condolences to your whole family. Sincerely, Sally Lehr (Hughes).
In loving remembrance of my dear friend Ava Jean who is at long last reunited with her Herb! Thank you for bringing so much love, music and fun to my.
Rosemary McLaughlin Wendling
January 11, 2019
Bruce Ford
January 10, 2019
Goodbye to our Opera Mom! We in the HGO Studio loved you so very much!
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