Joyce E. Reny

Joyce Elaine Dunn Reny
1933 - 2015
HOUSTON, Texas - Joyce Elaine Dunn Reny, formerly of Maine, passed away on the Jan. 23, 2015, in Houston, Texas, with her family by her side.
She was born on Jan. 20, 1933, to Lester Dunn and Mamie Michiels Dunn in Alexandria, La. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Charles Edmond Reny; her eight children, Charles Jude Reny, and wife Mary, Karen Mamie Tucker and husband Russell, Debra Elaine Bavouset Iversen and husband Kent, Cynthia Joyce Oncken and husband Thomas, Shannon Loyce Reny, Joseph Lester Reny and wife Susan, John Patrick Reny and wife Polly, Patricia Gabrielle Holland and husband James; her 17 grandchildren, Cathy Frank, Susan Gowin and husband Christopher Gowin, Travis Tucker, Scott Collins, Lori Oncken, Stephen Bavouset, Jarad Bavouset, Elizabeth Rice and husband Jason Rice, Michael Oncken and wife Jennifer, Stephanie Blackwood and husband David Blackwood, Ashley Hall, Emily Reny, David Holland, Ryan Reny, Matthew Reny, Jacob Reny; and her 12 great-grandchildren, Megan Frank, Lena Gowin, Hunter Collins, Spencer Frank, Olivia Gowin, Emma Oncken, Riley Hunter, Bryan Gowin, Peyton Hunter, Tommy Oncken, Charlie Oncken, and Gracelynn Blackwood.
Joyce met the love of her life, Charles in Alexandria, La., after only three weeks of friendship; she married on April 19, 1952, at St, Rita's Catholic Church in Alexandria.While waiting for her husband's orders she attended school and worked as a medical assistant at Texada/Miller Clinic.
Joyce began her adventure of life traveling across the ocean to France on the USS United States to be with her husband, giving birth to her eldest son in Germany. She visited Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris while living in Europe. After her husband completed his tour of service in the Air Force they returned to the United States, settling in Maine to continue her life journey and raise their family. Joyce loved Maine, but always touted her native Louisiana culture. In 1959, Joyce and her husband relocated their family to Texas.
Joyce was a member of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, where her children attended school. She dedicated her time entertaining and preparing dinners for the Priests and Nuns of Mount Carmel Parish. She was president of the Woman's Club, and took on the challenge of operating the high school cafeteria; scheduled to close due to loss of income. Parish fundraising was ongoing, to increase income Joyce was instrumental in establishing menus and preparing gourmet dinners attended by parishioners and invited guests. Joyce volunteered at St. Lukes Hospital every Sunday for several years helping families place their loved ones in the hospital.
Joyce was a strong woman, loving wife, mother, and friend to all. She never slowed down, she loved adventure, took on many projects, including purchasing and installing a mural for the Mt. Carmel Rectory, remodeling of a 100+ year old farm house in Maine, exposing four of her children to a less complicated way of life. She loved cooking, conjuring up quite a collection of cookbooks, including Paul Prudhomme's cajun recipes and one of her favorites, the Waldorf Astoria. Joyce enjoyed life; her energy was enviable, providing her children everything from trips to the Houston Zoo, the beach, fine arts, summer vacations in Maine, and Quebec, Canada. After retiring, Joyce and her husband divided their time between their home in Houston and summer home in Maine. Throughout her later years, Joyce continued her bucket list of travels, including a Caribbean cruise, touring Nova Scotia by way ferry boat off the coast of Maine, enjoying the entertainment in Branson, and numerous other places.
Joyce always put others needs before her own, with her passion being her family. She was a Kingwood resident for 25 years during which time she attended St. Martha Catholic Church weekly, enjoyed many retreats, and volunteered much of her time with Catholic Charities and St. Lukes Hospital.
Joyce suffered a long Alzheimer's illness; she was being cared for by her family at Silverado in Kingwood, Texas. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Silverado for the loving care she received the last year of her life. The kindness and patience of the entire staff was exceptional.
Visitation will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015; and Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Darst Funeral Home, 796 Russell Palmer Rd., Kingwood, Texas. www.DarstFuneralHome.com A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Martha's Catholic Church on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, 10 a.m. at 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, Texas. 281-358-6637. (Off 59, take Northpark Drive, turn left at Woodridge)

In lieu of customary remembrances
the family requests with gratitude
that contributions may be made
in Joyce's name to the
Alzheimer's Association
Donate by phone:
800-272-3900 or 713-314-1313
Donate by mail:
Alzheimer's Association
6055 South Loop East
Houston, TX 77087-1005