Renee Adame Obituary (1948

Sylvia Renee Adame, born in Texas City on August 20, 1948, died on Monday, April 8, 2013 in Galveston, Texas. Renee, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and officer's wife, brought immeasurable joy and inspiration to her family. She enriched the lives of all who had the good fortune to have her generous and loyal friendship. Renee lived every day to the fullest. She loved celebrations, which she tirelessly planned for any occasion. She will always be remembered for her infectious enjoyment of life, her creativity, humor and intelligence, her passion for new adventures and her abundant natural talent. Renee had a rare combination of selfless humility and confidence. A natural public speaker, she had a talent for engaging audiences, large and small, with her articulate and genuine speaking style. Her family, friends, and colleagues regularly sought her advice and thoughtful opinions. She was a respected colleague in the field of public relations and marketing. Renee was the mastermind and organizer of innumerable successful projects throughout the community, yet was always quick to give credit to others for their contributions and accomplishments. Renee was the daughter of Janie and Mario Garcia of Texas City. She had many fond memories of being showered with love and attention as a young girl by her tight-knit extended family. She often spoke fondly of her memories of singing and dancing at the epic annual Garcia Family Christmas Parties. Renee cultivated a rich social life and particularly delighted in spending as much time with her children and grandchildren as possible. She maintained close ties with friends in the community and was especially involved with her high school classmates. After graduating from Texas City High School in 1966, Renee went to work at NASA during the exciting years of the space race. It was during this time that she met the man who would become her husband. In August, 1969, Renee married Army Lt. Alberto Adame. Renee embraced the role of an Army officer's wife, working as a volunteer in community organizations and playing an active part in the Officers' Wives Club. Renee's unparalleled leadership skills were easily recognized by senior officer's wives and she was regularly invited to represent various civil service organizations on their behalf. She also served as a mentor to other Army wives. Renee was immensely proud of Al's Army service and supported him through his many years of active duty, which ultimately earned him the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. With a thirst for adventure, she enjoyed the opportunity to move around the country and see the world with the Army. Renee and Al accepted posts in Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, and Panama, during which time they welcomed four children, a son and three daughters. Renee was devoted to her young family, filling their home with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy, while teaching by example the importance of always striving to do one's best. After their return to Texas City in 1984, Renee went to work in Galveston, ultimately serving as AssistantExecutive Director of the Galveston Park Board. She was recognized for her diligent work on projects such as the Beach Renourishment Project, the restoration and christening of the USS Cavalla at Seawolf Park as a historic museum, and the annual Galveston Mardi Gras celebration. Throughout her career, she credited Don Schattel, who had served as Executive Director of the Park Board, for being a mentor, as well as a friend and confidant. After many years of service with the Park Board, Renee joined the Mitchell Family Corp/Mitchell Historic Properties (previously GPM, Inc.) as Director of Marketing and Special Projects. Through the combined efforts of her creativity, and the generosity, vision, and continued support of George Mitchell, Renee created a legacy that positively impacted the quality of life of countless residents in the community of Galveston. Renee's first project with Mitchell Historic Properties was the development of Galveston FeatherFest, which has become one of the most widely attended festivals of its kind in the country. Renee also applied her creative talents to marketing the historic downtown as a tourist destination. Among the countless projects spearheaded by Renee, she is especially recognized for her vision and leadership role in the Hotel Galvez Centennial Celebration and History Hall (for which she received a special award from the Texas Historic Commission), the annual Tremont House Mardi Gras Ball since 2004, and the revival of music and entertainment in Saengerfest Park on the Strand. Renee's role with Mitchell Historic Properties also included working with community-based social programs. Renee found special meaning in programs she initiated or played an active role in which sought to improve the lives of children in Galveston. Noteworthy among these are the Safe Haven Program, the Mitchell Substance Abuse Prevention Program, the GISD Trade Cottage and Galveston Sustainable Communities Alliance. In addition, she played an active role on numerous community boards. The Mitchell family wishes to express their gratitude for her unforgettable, effective, and selfless leadership and for her deep affection for Galveston Island. According to Sheridan Mitchell Lorenz, "Renee didn't just have good ideas. She had the intelligence, ability, and energy to execute them beautifully every time." Renee is preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. Alberto Adame; father, Mario Garcia; and brother, Mark Anthony Garcia. She is survived by her mother Janie Garcia; daughter Allyson Adame; son Jeb Adame and daughter-in-law Erin; daughter Monica Adame-Avant and son-in-law Sheldon Avant; daughter Danielle Adame-Lopez and son-in-law Paul Lopez; brother Charlie Garcia; sisters Pam Villarreal and Bea Granniss; grandchildren Evelyn, Janie, Nova Adame and Chloe Lopez; cousin and best friend Sandra Tenorio. Visitation with the family will take place on Sunday, April 14, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Carnes Funeral Home, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas. Funeral Services will follow at 4:00 pm. A Memorial Tribute for Renee will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.at the Hotel Galvez. Contributions may be made in Renee's memory to Galveston Sustainable Communities Alliance, 305 21st Street, Suite 180, Galveston, Texas 77550. "After mastering the role of a military wife and achieving such professional success, the role Renee loved the most in life was being a mother! The events she created for the public paled in comparison to the memories she created for her children and grandchildren. Those memories will now last them a lifetime."--Sandra Tenorio