Services
Obituary
Guest Book
Alicia Serafica Woodhams, 87, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter Tina Danze early Oct. 15, 2017, following a lengthy illness.
She was born in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines, on March 3, 1930, the fourth of nine children to Dr. Hermenegildo H. Serafica and Josefa Soques Serafica.
Although her studies were interrupted by the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, she graduated first in her high school class and first in her class at St. Scholastica's College, Manila. She began graduate studies in mathematics at Fordham University in New York City, but later transferred to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she received her master's in mathematics in 1954.
At Michigan, she met her husband of 53 years, Richard, who was studying geology. They married at the bishop's palace in Cebu City, Philippines, in 1955. Alicia and Richard moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where they had two of their four children. Richard's career as a petroleum geologist later took them to Midland, Tyler and eventually to Houston, where Alicia began a 28-year tenure at The Kinkaid School, teaching Upper School mathematics.
In 1978 she founded Kinkaid Organization for Community Involvement, the school's first community service organization, in which students worked in soup kitchens, visited nursing homes and helped address needs of the homeless in Houston.
After retiring, she was a longtime volunteer at the Memorial Assistance Ministries Resale Store.
She was an active member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Community since 1973. An avid gardener, she also enjoyed needlework, sculpting, music, yoga, the Astros and travel; she especially delighted in hosting her nine grandchildren during family gatherings.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Mary Alice Basconi and husband Ed of Johnson City, Tennessee; Greg Woodhams and his wife Julia Gargallo of Kansas City, Missouri; Tina Danze and her husband Philip of Dallas, Texas; and Susie Woodhams and her husband John Mollick, of Blotzheim, France; grandchildren Joseph Basconi, Regina Bence and her husband Gavin, Rita Basconi, Monica and Daniel Woodhams, Alicia and Leah Danze, and John and Louis Mollick; a special niece, Rosario Kangleon Gomez, her husband Manuel and daughter Maricar; one sister, Amparito S. Kangleon; brothers Roberto, Eduardo and Jose Serafica; two aunts: Monserrat Del Gallego and Pat Fructuoso, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank her many loving neighbors; Tammy Conway, Ellen Horr and Pat Yerke of Texas Home Care Partners of Houston; Ethel Chitepo, Rhoda Loftin, Ovierheya Ogboru and Barbara Saddler of Griswold Home Care, Dallas; and Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, Grapevine.
Visitation will be 6-8 pm. Thursday, Oct 19, with a rosary at 7:45 p.m. at The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20 at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, followed by interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Houston, Disaster Relief Fund (www.svdphouston.org), and the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.
October 11, 2021
EDGARDO SERAFICA
my prayers
October 11, 2020
Friend
Lorrie and Tony Dawlearn
Still remembering fondly a sweet , sweet lady and her wonderful husband. They were one of the first people we met when we came to St. Cecilia's Church about 18 years ago, and they made a lasting impression on us, especially as regards their humble spirit of charity.
November 6, 2017
Jerry Shroff
Susie and Tina I so have you in my Prayers as your Mom transfers to Heaven. I believe, & share with many that the acorn does not fall far from the tree - y'all are testimony to the awesomeness of your Mom - God's Peace,
October 23, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. Mrs. Woodhams stood out amongst teachers.
October 19, 2017
Karen Elizabeth Watts
Tina,
I am so sorry for you loss. I sadly lost my mother suddenly this June and still cannot believe it. May your mother be surrounded by the angles and eternal light shine upon her.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Karen
October 18, 2017
Lindsey Whitman
Mrs. Woodhams was one of my favorite teachers at Kinkaid. I had the pleasure of learning precalculus from her as well as attending numerous KOCI events together. Mrs. Woodhams was a great encourager and had the biggest heart. Her enthusiasm and passion for teaching was infectious, and she is the reason I continued to love math and went on to take Calculus III in college. My heart goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
October 18, 2017
Tracie H
Mrs. Woodhams was one of my favorite teachers. She taught me more than pre-calculus. She instilled a confidence that I could do and become what I set my mind to. I wish her family many cherished memories and a loving peace.
October 17, 2017
Lorrie Dawlern
To the Family of Alicia Woodhams,
Alice was a gentle, humble lady, who was obviously devoted to Richard. She was an enthusiastic participant in Women's Club, a woman of great faith who attended mass daily, and an example to us all. Tony and I are saddened by your great loss.
October 17, 2017
Margaret & Joe Matejka
To the Woodhams family our sincere condolences. Alice was such a sweet lady! She was so proud of her family and was so excited when they would come home. She was a constant at the 7:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday and her absence in recent months was noticed. May she rest in peace and may you take comfort in the warm memories you shared with her over the years.
October 17, 2017
bj
My heartfelt sympathy for your great
loss at this difficult time. May
knowing that God understands your
grief and that He truly cares for you,
bring you comfort and peace.
1 Peter 5:6,7.
October 17, 2017
Laura Bellows
Mrs. Woodhans was one of my all-time favorite teachers. She taught geometry at Kinkaid with an infectious enthusiasm and was always encouraging us to do our best. Because of her, geometry was one of my favorite subjects. Many other students were also blessed to have her as a teacher. Mrs. Woodhans was a very special person indeed and will be remembered fondly.
October 17, 2017
Madeline & Philip Closmann
We so enjoyed knowing Alicia and have many fond memories of her and Richard and their family while we were members of St.Cecila parish. We send our sincerest condolences to their family.
Madeline and Philip Closmann
Austin, TX
October 16, 2017
Nancy Newton
Tina and Woodhams Family- my condolences to all of you. Your mom was truly a strong, unique and giving woman. I see many of her characteristics in her amazing children. Gods blessings on all of you. Peace, Nancy Newton
October 16, 2017
Edgardo Serafica
My special prayers for Tita Alice my aunt..... I only have much fond memories of her when she visits the Philippines and condolence to my cousins.....
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Oct
19
Oct
19
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more