Obituary of Henri Maria de Ybarrondo

Henri Maria de Ybarrondo was born in New York City on March 7, 1935 and he entered Eternal Life on March 20, 2024, peacefully after celebrating Holy Mass and spending the day with family on the Feast of St. Joseph.

Henri was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia Margarita Davila de Ybarrondo; their eight miscarried children; Henri Joseph (stillborn); 1-day old Catherine Mora; his parents Mora Catherine Bow and Enrique Maria de Ybarrondo; his sister, Clarita; and his brother-in-law Oscar Sarabia. He remains present in spirit with Fr. Rafael Davila; Michael and Kyle Davila; his children and their spouses: Julieanne and John Loth, Anna Maria and Joe Mooney, Michelle de Ybarrondo-Gall and Archie Gall, and Henri de Ybarrondo; 25 grandchildren and their spouses; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; and most especially his amazing care-giving team, who lovingly supported Henri and made it possible for him to age in place and remain comfortably in his home: Cristel, Marcela, Mariana, Reyna and Suyapa. You have a special place in our hearts and Henri loved you each as daughters. 

Henri dedicated his life to serving and mentoring others. He was the patriarch of not only his immediate family, but his extended family and friends. He had a merciful heart and always saw the good in others. He quietly carried his cross of Parkinsons without a complaint, offering his sufferings for the conversion, healing, and salvation of each soul in his large family. He knew the Value of the Holy Cross and embraced it with complete surrender and love. Throughout his 20-year illness, God Transformed him into the image and likeness of His Son on the Cross.  We are grateful for the gift of his sacrificial love and the prayers that he offered daily at Holy Mass. 

Henri loved celebrations, fine dining, and being a world traveler. He loved welcoming people within his heart and home, creating familial bonds with all who were drawn to him. He shared fond memories of spending time in California with silent film star Clara Bow, his mom's cousin, before the family finally settled in Houston. He attended St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas where he met the true love of his life, Julie. He obtained his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He was known as the "Wonder Boy" in his days of litigating in the courtroom, but eventually gave that up to focus all his energy on investing in the Stock Market which he continued until his dying day.  In the end, Henri's greatest treasures were his family, faith, and receiving Jesus daily in Holy Communion while celebrating Holy Mass in his home with his spiritual brother, Fr Rafael Davila. We are grieving this great loss. Thank you for your continued prayers.

All are invited to join us to honor and celebrate Henri’s life in a 3-day Triduum of events.  A visitation will begin at 7:00 p.m., with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:30 p.m., on Easter Sunday evening, March 31, 2024 in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston, Texas.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, April 1, 2024 in the Chapel of St. Basil at the University of St. Thomas, 3802 Yoakum Boulevard in Houston, Texas.  A reception will follow the Mass at Link Lee Mansion, 3800 Montrose Boulevard from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The Rite of Committal will follow at 10:00 a.m. on April 2, 2024 at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1100 Antoine in Houston, Texas.