CELIA FIGUEROA ALMENDAREZ, beloved mother, wife, sister and friend, passed away in the loving arms of her husband on July 16, 2009, from complications relating to cancer. She blessed us with 40 short, but truly meaningful years. Celia was born February 5, 1969, to Jose and Celia Figueroa in Houston, Texas. At an early age, she realized the importance of education and developed a thirst for knowledge and truth. After graduating from Sam Houston High School, she attended Rice University, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Spanish. She went on to receive her Jurist Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center in 1994. After she passed the Texas bar exam, Celia became a licensed attorney practicing in state and federal courts for more than 14 years. She had a profound love and understanding of the law. Her career culminated as a Vice President of Bancomer Transfer Services. Her passions included gardening, running, traveling, classical music and photography. However, her greatest passion in life was being a devoted wife and mother. Celia married Arthur Almendarez on June 23, 1990, in Houston, Texas. They have two sons, James and William. Celia loved her role as a mother, delighting in her sons' accomplishments and activities. She was most proud of her family and the friendships she developed throughout her life. Celia lived a life blessed with work she truly loved and with the company of family and many friends. She lived life to the fullest and was successful by any measure or standard. She may be best remembered in many ways, and in various circles, for the courage and strength she expressed in her most trying hours. Celia touched and changed many by her constant and unwavering example. Her faith and goodness inspired those around her and reminded us all of the preciousness of life. Celia is survived by her loving husband of over 19 years, Arthur Almendarez; sons, James Arthur and William Andrew; sister, Lupe Figueroa Galindo, and her husband, Andy; two brothers, Oswaldo Figueroa and wife Becky; and Joe Figueroa and wife Belinda; mother-in-law, Helen Almendarez; sister-in-law, Cindy Suttles, and her husband, Steve; sister-in-law, Serena and brother-in-law, R.J. Almendarez. Celia is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Chris Figueroa, Marisa Figueroa, Christina Galindo, Clarisa Galindo, Miguel Figueroa, Marco Figueroa, Michelle Anderson, Billy Barbier, Lindsay and Kacee Almendarez. She is preceded in death by her parents Jose and Celia Figueroa, and father-in-law, Roy Almendarez. Visitation will be Monday, July 20, 2009, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm, at Brookside Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Celia's life and accomplishments on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 1505 Kane St., Houston, TX 77007. Friends are encouraged to visit www.mem.com to share words of comfort with the family.