Thelma Hillebrandt “Mema” Merendino, 99, of Beaumont, died Monday, June 10, 2013, at home surrounded by her loving family. A native and resident of Beaumont, she was born on April 2, 1914, to Magdalena Frerich Hillebrandt and Robert Espar Hillebrandt, Sr. Mrs. Merendino was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda Whitaker and Debbie Parsley and her husband, Billy; eight grandchildren, Charlotte Vanhorn and her husband, Rick; Wayne Merendino and his wife, Paula; Byron Whitaker and his wife, Carla; Clint Whitaker; Spence Whitaker and his wife, Jessica; Kristina Knowles and her husband, Bobby; Derek Parsley and his wife, Donya; and Melanie Brown and her husband, Josh; seventeen great-grandchildren, Jace; Zach; Marcus; Eric and his wife, Christy; Amber; Rodney; Matthew; Lily; Chloe; Logan; Mikey; Abigail; Audrey; Kayli; Briley; Gracie; and Easton; three great-great-grandchildren, Kaydance, Kayden, and Kinsley; and siblings, Fred Hillebrandt, Sr. and Alice Walden.
She is preceded in death by her husband of forty-six years, Morris Merendino, Sr.; son, Morris “Sonny” Merendino, Jr. and his wife, Gloria; grandchildren, Gwen Meyers and Christian Parsley; great-granddaughter, Stephanie Merendino; and son-in-law, Ray Whitaker.
A gathering of Mrs. Merendino’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13, 2013, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 4445 Avenue A, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Hillebrandt Cemetery, LaBelle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 4445 Avenue A, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
Her family wishes to thank the nurses and staff from Harbor Hospice Home Health Care for the compassion and kindness.
