Nancy Matthews Starr Alvarez

NANCY MATTHEWS STARR ALVAREZ, passed away on March 22, 2005 after a lengthyillness. Born on November 3, 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana , she was the only daughter of Mary Catherine and Raymond Starr and the apple of her father's eye. Nancy graduated from the Louise S. McGehee School and Newcomb College of Tulane where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. As a young married woman, she taught school in Houston and El Paso before retiring to raise her four children. She was active in the Kappa Alumni Association for many years sharing her decorating talent during the Kappa Christmas Pilgrimages. Nancy exuded creativity in every aspect of her life. Her charming home, once featured in the Today section of the Houston Post, was filled with antiques, whimsical collections, bright colors and paintings created by people she knew and loved. Nancy's collection of Christmas decorations was so extensive, it was featured in both the Houston Post and Houston Home & Garden Magazine. Her home was the setting for many memorable events including her annual soup and dessert luncheon which she hosted with several friends. An invitation to one of her parties promised imaginative table settings, beautiful flowers anddelicious food. Nancy's pinnacle of creation was her organization of a group of artist friends who became known as the Garden Artists. For ten years these talented ladies held monthly sales in the gardens of friends in Houston, New Orleans, Dallas, Tulsa and San Antonio. Their success earned them a cover story in Texas Magazine of the Houston Chronicle and more importantly memories and friendships that remained strong. Out of Nancy's pleasure of painting on canvas immerged a new concept of painting T-shirts with her familiar hearts and flowers designs. These colorful creations became popular and were worn everywhere by ladies of all ages. A wonderful mother, Nancy's four children were always her biggest source of pride. She filled their lives with lots of love, fun, and many amazing times and memories. She made birthday parties, special occasions and vacations incredible and one of a kind. She was adored by her children and their friends, as well. Her house was always the gathering place for her children and all their friends. In recent years she took great delight in her role as grandmother. Recalling the pleasure of her relationships with her grandmothers, she immersed herself in the lives of her own grandchildren who brought her great joy. Being Nancy's friend was to know what it means to be loved unconditionally. She rarely spoke an unkind word about anyone, was quick to forgive, generous beyond measure, a willing helper and a staunch supporter. Nancy also had a quick wit and the ability to see and describe life from a unique perspective. Her departure leaves a gapinghole in a tight circle of friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Catherine Matthews Starr and Raymond Pierce Starr and her granddaughter, Mary Dawson Zaleski. She is survived byher four children, John Arthur Alvarez III and his son, John Arthur IV (9), Raymond Starr Alvarez, Matthews Cate Alvarez and Catherine "Starr" Zaleski and her husband Billy, and their children William Pierce (4), Catherine Elizabeth (2 1/2 ) and Caroline Starr (3 mo.). Nancy is also survived by her three brothers: Raymond Starr and his wife, Joan, Richard Starr and his wife Katherine, and Bill Starr and his wife, Caron. Also close to Nancy were her many nieces and nephews from both the Starr and Alvarez families. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Nancy's life on Saturday, April 2 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Drive. You are invited to bring a flower to add to a communal bouquet as a tribute to Nancy. Contributions may be made to the memorial fund for Nancy Starr Alvarez, c/o Lupus Foundation of America, Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, 3730 Kirby Drive, Ste. 720, Houston,Texas 77098, 713-529-0126.