December 18, 1929 – December 25, 2022
Wanda Mares, age 93, of Friendswood, TX, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, December 25, 2022, after enjoying a wonderful Christmas morning with her daughters.
Wanda was a career elementary school teacher for over 35 years before retiring.
Both her bachelors and master’s degrees were earned at the University of Houston.
In Friendswood, she was an active member of the Heritage Gardeners Garden Club. She supported their many undertakings ranging from the Spring and Holiday Home Tours, Christmas Market various scholarship programs and was also known as an excellent baker.
For many years she was a member of the Dickinson First United Methodist Church and had recently moved her church membership to the Friendswood First United Methodist Church.
Her husband Joseph (Joe) Lawrence Mares, Jr. passed away June 17, 2017, at the age of 90. They were married for 69 years.
Wanda is survived by her two daughters: Dianne Barron and Jackie Niccum. Other family members include son-in-law Dave Barron; grandchildren, Grant Niccum (spouse Kati) and Blake Niccum (spouse Maria); and nieces, Linda Venske (spouse Elmer) and Laurie Popovits.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home 311 North Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546 (281) 992-7200.
The funeral service will also be on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 2:30 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Bass officiating.
A private internment will take place at a later time.
9 thoughts on “Wanda Mares”
Dear Diane, dear Jackie & family!
I am so sorry for your loss. I saw Wanda in the Kroger parking lot on December 24th and got to hug her and say thank you again for helping me support Three Little Pitties Rescue with her newspapers. She was such a warm, funny, spirited and loving person – full of life and sharp as a tack until the very end. I am very sad. I will miss her.
Her cakes were beautiful and I still make the marinated salad she had us do for one of the main events some years ago.
She was the card lady this year and I received a birthday card from her last month.
I admired everything about her and learned a lot from her over the years.
Josephine Eager
I will miss you and your family. You, your husband and daughters were such an important part of my teaching experience. I gained so much from their guidance and support. Thank you for sharing them with me through church as well. I know you will miss your mom but remember the good times
What a warm, energetic lady! Her smile will be sorely missed.
Dear Dianne, Jackie, and Family. Your mom was the best neighbor ever. Richard and I really enjoyed our friendship with your parents. I called your mom on her birthday and we had a nice chat. Both of your parents were very upbeat and happy people. I know you cherish your memories of them.
Sending hugs,
Linda Hermling
What a wonderful, gracious and talented lady! I am thankful for having known Mrs. Mares, and I am thankful for the legacy she leaves in her family, her former students, her garden club, and her friends. I am sending my love to Texas and wish I could be there with you.
I will certainly miss Wanda. I enjoyed working with her on our Third Wednesday Rotary cook team. She always had interesting stories to tell and her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She and Joe were wonderful a very couple.
A bright light has gone out in so many lives, Wanda’s especially. She was such an inspiration and joy to be around. She touched so many throughout her life and will be missed by all. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Paula Oddo
Jackie and Dianne,
Paula just discovered the obituary and sent copies to Carolyn and myself. I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your mother and our families growing up on Elegia in Houston! Hope you and your families are doing well. Best, Janet Pesce Dunphy, San Diego