Marcelee "Penny" Afflerbach

1931 - 2023

Marcelee "Penny" Mendel Afflerbach of Hockley, Texas, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the age of 92.

Born June 27, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to Ferdinand and Emmie Mendel, her life reflected the simple joys of family, love, and nature. To those around her the most, her indomitable spirit made her seem almost invincible. So that even at 92, her passing was a shock.

Penny proudly worked for Tenneco Oil and Gas before she retired after 38 years of dedicated service. She was very competitive and always loved sports, especially playing tennis and softball with friends and family. She was dedicated to her home, but especially her beautiful yard, where you could always find her tending to her flowers, trees, and mowing the grass.

When Penny met her husband, Lee Afflerbach, she said it was love at first sight. They loved each other, and their life together was full of joy and laughter. With the humor typical in their lives, they chose to marry on Lee's birthday to ensure that he would never forget their anniversary for the next 61 years, until the day he sadly passed in 2013.

The company of her family, as well as caring for her plants and trees, kept her busy, easing somewhat the ache of her broken heart. She told everyone that when she would walk through her yard, she felt so connected to God. In long heartfelt conversations with Him she promised to care for the trees and plants for as long as He would let her.

Penny's legacy lives on through her daughter, Kris Kimberlye Afflerbach Howard. She was a devoted grandmother to Sarah Howard Alvarez and Matthew Howard, and she adored her great-granddaughter, Lana Alvarez. Her family was her greatest treasure.

Penny is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Lee, and her parents, Ferdinand and Emmie Mendel, along with her siblings Margaret, Fred, Donald, John, and brother-in-law Ken.

Penny is survived by her daughter Kris Kimberlye Howard and husband Glenn, her granddaughter Sarah Howard Alvarez and husband Marco, grandson Matthew Howard, and great-granddaughter Lana Alvarez. She is also survived by her sister Theresa Mobley, sister-in-law Marsha Mendel and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her neighbors that turned into family, Bobby and Paula Windham.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Penny Afflerbach will take place at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, on Wednesday, November 29 at 10:00 in the morning. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering a remarkable woman who left a lasting imprint on the hearts of those she touched.

Her love for family and her unwavering faith in God serve as a beautiful reminder of a life well lived. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.