CHRISSY ELLIS COZZI
1957-2021
Chrissy Ellis Cozzi, 64, died Saturday, February 27, from complications of COVID-19.
Chrissy was born Maria Christina Ellis in Corpus Christi, Texas, to parents William Lee Ellis Jr. and Olympia (Lee) Duque Ellis. She grew up in Aransas Pass, Texas. Growing up, she and her siblings spent much time with their cousins, the Metzes of Lockhart, Texas. This is where she learned that your cousins are your first best friends.
After high school she attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos and was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. She was very proud to have earned her commercial driver’s license, which she put to good use during her college years behind the wheel of an SWTSU commuter bus. Chrissy received her bachelors degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1979.
Chrissy had a life-long love of music and dancing. She was, quite possibly, the greatest George Strait fan ever to walk the earth. She never missed an opportunity to hear “King George” perform.
After leaving college, Chrissy came to Houston, where she spent most of her life. Chrissy worked for a number of organizations and businesses over the years. Most recently she worked as Show Operations Assistant for Quilts, Inc. The International Quilt Show at the George R. Brown Convention
Center was an annual highlight for her. Chrissy was also very involved as a volunteer working on committees for the Rodeo. In 2017, after 23 years of volunteering with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Chrissy Cozzi earned the Rodeo’s ultimate volunteer-loyalty award, a gold badge with “Lifetime Committeeman” at the bottom. She also served five years as a Finish Line Angel for the Houston Marathon.
Chrissy and her husband Anthony were soulmates. They were married on
August 30, 2008 even though they had originally planned a ceremony for later, in October. Chrissy moved their wedding date and changed the venue to be at the assisted living center where her mother lived. so that her mother could attend. Her mother, Lee Ellis, was a beaming mother of the bride with family and residents in attendance. It was typical of Chrissy to put family first.
Family was everything to Chrissy. Without checking her calendar she knew every important date and anniversary, including the year. We cherish the memories and the photos of Chrissy holding newborn great-nieces and nephews and cousins, and being with us at Thanksgiving, Christmas, family reunions, weddings, birthdays, graduations, board game nights, and celebrations of all sorts. You could count on her to arrive slightly late, bringing laughter and joy (and lots of wine) to the party. She had a radiant smile and an infectious laugh. She filled the room and our hearts.
Chrissy’s approach to life was a lesson in positivity. She had her share of setbacks and tribulations, which she handled with determination, grace, and a can-do attitude. You could count on Chrissy to roll up her sleeves and get things done. When the pandemic led to her being furloughed from her job she volunteered her time to the Quilt show, the Rodeo, and community organizations to help others. She also found time to make treasured, elaborate Christmas stockings for each new baby and other family members who wanted one.
Chrissy is survived by her husband of 12 years, Anthony Cozzi; twin sister Kathy Westmoreland and her husband Reid; brother Billy Ellis and his wife Priscilla; brother Ken Ellis and his wife Holly; sister-in-law
Linda Cozzi Bartels and her husband Jack; sister-in-law Cathy Cozzi; nephew Brad Westmoreland and his wife Jill; nephew Allen Westmoreland and his wife Stephanie; niece Stephanie Bradbury and her husband Kyle; nephew Robert Ellis and his wife Jasmine; 10 great-nieces and great-nephews, and her beloved cousins in her extended family.
There will be a celebration of life scheduled at a later date. Donations in Chrissy’s memory can be made to The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo educational fund.
The family is grieving her loss but rejoicing in the memories of her life.
The family would also like to remind everyone that COVID-19 can be serious and the pandemic is not over. Please, for the love of your fellow humans, stay home if possible, maintain social distance, get your vaccine when you can, and wear your mask in public to protect others.