Winifred Maloney "Oona" Kitowski

My mom, Winifred "Oona" Maloney Kitowski", ended her long and fruitful journey with us and peacefully transitioned to the arms of God on February 13, 2026. She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Vincent Kitowski, her sisters Kathleen Brumfield and Veronica Marcum and her sisters-in-laws Elizabeth Kitowski, Dorothy Kitowski, and Zenia Kitowski and brother-in-law, Charles Kitowski. Her daughter, Colleen Kitowski of Houston, remains to carry on her legacy. Oona is also survived by her brother-in -law and sister-in-law, John and Tilie Kitowski of Ft. Worth, Texas and her sister -in-law Charlotte Kitowski of San Antonio, Texas as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Oona was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 16, 1921, to Irish Catholic parents, the late Catherine O' Callaghan Maloney and James Maloney. Her father passed away when she was 2 years old so her mother relocated to Donegal, Ireland, where she planned to raise her three daughters. That is the time Winifred became Oona as every child attending the Brocke School was required to have a Gaelic name. Thus, the name Oona remained with her for a lifetime. Sadly, Oona's mother succumbed to an infection and passed away when Oona was only 8 years old. Therefore, she and her two sisters were placed in a boarding school, Urseline Academy, in San Antonio, Texas, by their guardian. Oona skipped two grades and later graduated as valedictorian of her senior class earning several college scholarships. She attended Incarnate Word College but withdrew early to help support herself and her two sisters. She was employed during WWII at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas as private secretary for General Jonathan M. Wainright IV who was the Commander of Allied Forces in the Philippines. During that time, she met the love of her life, Vincent Kitowski. They married in 1946 and soon thereafter relocated to Houston for Vincent to complete medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. While in Houston they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Colleen. Later the family returned to San Antonio where Vincent began his private practice. In the years that followed, Vincent practiced medicine worldwide giving Oona and Colleen opportunities to reside in a variety of international locations.

Oona was active with the Harris County Medical Association and The Neuman Circle, but her most cherished service organization was the Charity Guild of Catholic Women where she served as president in 1977and gained Emeritus status. During her time at the Guild, she served in every capacity but was considered the expert in parliamentary law. Oona was always appreciated for her kind heart, gentle spirit, sound counsel and quick Irish wit. She adored music, literature and poetry which led her to study creative writing at Rice University in her golden years. However, most important of all was her intense devotion to her Catholic faith which always guided her life and her relationships with others.

Deepest gratitude must be extended to the exceptional doctors, nurses, and aides at Bayou City Hospice and caregivers who cared for mom with such compassion and dedication. Their kindness and tireless efforts ensured that she was surrounded by peace and love in her final days, and for that, I am eternally appreciative.

A funeral mass for Oona will be celebrated at Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, 7809 ShadyVilla, Houston, Texas 77055 at 2pm on Friday, March 6, 2026. The interment ceremony will occur shortly thereafter at the Columbarium at Our Lady of Walsingham. A reception will be held afterwards at the Junior League of Houston.

For those desiring, gifts in Oona's memory may be given to Charity Guild of Catholic Women, 203 Lovett Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006 or Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, 7809 ShadyVilla, Houston, Texas 77055.