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We are deeply saddened at the news that George Solana died early this morning. George served as Associate Director for Education at the Texas Catholic Conference from 1982 to 2005, contributing 24 years of service to Catholic education in Texas.
Initially responsible for implementation of federal programs in Catholic schools in Texas, Mr. Solana, working with the Catholic school superintendents of the (arch)dioceses of Texas, established the accreditation system for Texas Catholic schools. Prior to his appointment as Director of Education, George was the director of VESS (Volunteers for Education and Social Services).
George's wife, Marsha Solana, is the Director of Accreditation for the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department. Please remember her in your prayers at this very sad time. You may read George's obituary and funeral arrangements below.
George Dennis Solana, age 80 entered the Kingdom of God on January 24, 2011. George was born on July 13, 1930 in Beaumont, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Frances Solana, sister Josephine, half-brother Fred Vincent, brother-in-law Johnny Young and sister-in-law Earleen Cook. He is survived by Marsha, his wife of 25 years, two sisters, Ellen Young of Laguna Vista and Lois Griggsby of Corpus Christi, brother Paul Solana and wife Estia of High Ridge, MO and brother-in-law John Cook of La Marque as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
George served in the US Air Force Reserves and was assigned to a Troup Carrier Command at Ellington Air Force Base, Texas. George attended various universities and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Assumption College, University of Windsor and a Masters degree from the University of Houston. He also attended St. Basal Seminary in Toronto, Canada.
The major part of his professional life was spent in administration and educational fields in public and private schools. This included teaching in Europe as well as the United States. George served in the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston as a teacher and Director of Federal Programs. For 25 years George served the Texas Catholic Conference as Director of VESS (Volunteers for Educational and Social Services) and Director of Education.
George spent time during his life in different personal interest activities such as antique collecting and restoration, gardening, creative writing, dabbling in drawing and painting, collecting religious art and playing with his daily companion Misty, a schnauzer-mix shelter dog. He traveled extensively in Europe, Central America, Mexico and Canada.. He was a warm and sensitive person, always caring for others and putting them before himself. He will be greatly missed.
The Solana family want to extend a special thank you to the staff of the 6th floor of Seton hospital and the staff of Stonebridge Health Center for their care and respect shown to George while ministering to him. A special thanks also goes to Dr. John Dieck, George’s cardiologist and primary care physician for his excellent care over the years.
The wake service will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Park Funeral Home 14501 North IH 35, Pflugerville on Thursday January 27 at 7:00 PM. The funeral Mass will be Friday, January 28 at 10:00 AM at the same location.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in George’s name to Catholic Foundation, Diocese of Austin Endowment for Catholic Education or to a Catholic Scholarship Fund in your diocese.
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