Mary Frances was born on the 9th of May 1953, to James Anthony Tamborello and Pauline Lucille Ditta. She grew up in a close knit Italian family, spent beautiful time with grandparents, and made countless memories with her close cousins - all whom she admired. She attended Resurrection primary school and graduated from Incarnate Word Academy. From there, she went into the banking industry and soon became a teller at Northwest Bank. She decided to answer God's call working in the Catholic community for the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. She has spent the last 25 years devoted to her title of Director of Faith Formation - Adult and Children's Evangelization Associate Leader. She spent her first few years at St. Matthew the Evangelist on Hollister and soon found her home parish at Prince of Peace Catholic Community in Houston.

She lived a life of service to others - doing a remarkable job of it. A mentor to many through her catechetical work. She could see God's presence in anyone even when they couldn't see it in themselves. She always remained humble throughout her life. She made every person around her feel important and special. Mary exuded joy, emanated warmth, and radiated unconditional love. She was truly Christ-like.

Her heart was committed to her family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom they lovingly called "Nonna."  Her grandchildren were her life's best gift - calling them her "heartbeat." She was devoted to caring for her mother and father, often cooking them homemade meals. Cooking for her family was her passion. She made every meal special (and delicious) and welcomed all to her table.

Mary's family would like to show appreciation to the Prince of Peace Community. She answered God's call of discipleship as she brought many servants of Christ to the faith - young and old. She filled the church, campus offices, and classrooms with her bright and welcoming smile, unwavering commitment to her faith, and generous nature. Many people in the community turned to her for guidance and support, never being turned away. Every program under her was carried out with detail and care. Although her medical struggles caused some minor grief, it never hindered her from sharing her faith and fellowship with anyone that came to her.

Her whispered prayers for her home church, Prince of Peace, will continue through her faithful legacy, in the smiles of countless children in faith formation, and through the ministry and service of her catechists whom she dearly treasured.

Mary's family would like to extend their upmost gratitude to Paul Brown and the entire Brown family. Mary was blessed to be a part of a "bonus" family and they so lovingly called her their own. She spent many beautiful years of her life being surrounded by some of the most  accepting people. Paul helped Tiffany, Mary's only child, navigate through Mary's health needs and concerns - often visiting with Mary to raise her spirits.

The family would like to give their sincere appreciation to Seyna and her team of skilled caregivers at Peace and Love assisted living facility and her Hospice staff. They gave her the care, love, and support she needed during the last months of Mary's life. Tiffany would like to extend her thanks to the team who brought not only Mary peace, but gave Tiffany the emotional support she needed.

Mary's family would like to thank all those who reached out, visited, and gave Mary encouragement to navigate through this burdensome time of illness. This past year has been her most difficult battle, yet being surrounded by all those that cared for her brought her much serenity.

I was fortunate to sponge bathe my mom's body the day before her passing. She could not lift her frail arms that once cradled me. She could not lift her legs that once propelled me up like a "helicopter." I wiped her dainty and calloused  feet that once walked beside me through all my life's journeys. I washed the sagging skin of her belly that once sheltered and held me for 9 months. I rinsed her back that once carried me piggy back. I washed her face that once looked back at me with joy, admiration, and bright smiles. I wiped her eyes that once shed tears with me, for me, and because of me. I washed her hands that once so delicately held my own. God granted me 41 years with a most giving, passionate, faithful, and loving momma. Bathing her was the last, most rewarding gift we could give to one another. Please join us as we celebrate the life of one of the greatest gifts God created - the most beautiful soul, Mary Frances Camarata.

I would like to thank Fr. Tom Ponzini for anointing my dear mother with her last sacrament in life as she peacefully swept into paradise moments later.

Mary is survived by her 99 year old father, Jimmy Tamborello, her daughter, Tiffany Marie Calhoun, son-in-law, Michael Allen Calhoun and her three grandchildren, Anthony Vincent, Adriana Capri, and Michael Giovanni. Mary is survived by her dear friend, Paul Brown, sister, Judy Orlando, brother-in-law, Luke Orlando, and brother, Gus Tamborello. She is also survived by her niece and Godchild, Dana Pasket, and her husband Joey; nephew, Matthew Orlando, and his wife Cindy; niece Laurie Herbert, and her husband Justin. Mary is survived by great-nieces and great-nephews: Kaylie Pasket, Kenzie Pasket, Kelsie Pasket, Andrew Orlando, Jack Orlando, Ryleigh Herbert, Jacob Herbert, and James Herbert. She is survived by numerous close cousins as well as friends whom she considered family. Mary is reunited in Heaven with her dear mother, Pauline; sister, Ginger Tamborello; her grandparents whom she was very close with;  her friend Fr. Michael van der Peet whom she found solace in his counsel; many other family and friends whom have passed before her.

As Mary's favorite color is red, a color which reflects her passionate faith and the love she so willingly gave, we ask that family and friends wear something red in her memory at her funeral mass Tuesday, July 2nd at 10:30am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. A wake service and rosary will be at 7:00pm at Klein Champion Forest funeral home, Monday, July 1st. Family will receive friends beginning at 5:00pm.