Michael Anthony McEnrue, 73, passed away at home in Houston on March 3, 2021 after a hard fought, 15-month battle with cancer.
Michael was born at the original Providence Hospital on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 1947 to Lois and James A. McEnrue. His earliest years were spent in the Congress Heights - Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast Washington before his parents relocated to Virginia, pressed by a need for space to raise a growing family. His education at St. Michael’s parish parochial school in Annandale, Virginia led to his acceptance at Gonzaga College High School as a scholarship student in the Honors Program. He was a stalwart member of the Dramatics Society and a moving force in managing the construction of sets and scenery, enabling the ambitious productions which were a very popular activity among the student body and a mainstay in the life of the school.
In 1965, he graduated from Gonzaga and then attended, also on an academic scholarship, Fordham University in the Bronx, New York graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, having learned just as much from his off-campus life residing in the neighborhoods surrounding the Rose Hill campus. After college, Michael taught calculus and physics at the Academy of Notre Dame in Washington, D.C. which was located on North Capitol Street in the vicinity of his alma mater. He left teaching to attend Georgetown University Law School while working full time for a Washington law firm, serving on law review, graduating in 1976 and completing a lengthy education for years in the Jesuit tradition. He then clerked for the United States 4th Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Virginia before moving to Houston, Texas, settling in The Heights where he practiced law until last year.
Michael had an incredible work ethic, embodying service for others instilled in him by his years of Jesuit education. He was loving and supportive to his wife Claire and to his three daughters, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Mary Frances. He enjoyed cooking, woodworking and exercising regularly at the YMCA. With a deep religious conviction, Michael’s Catholic faith was central to his being, and it never wavered despite the challenges of the last year and the complex, rigorous course of treatment that he courageously undertook. He was a dedicated Servant of the Lord as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Teams of Our Lady and through his pro bono legal work. Michael was a wise, patient, and tolerant individual, and he brought those attributes to his practice of law. He considered helping his clients a “calling”, as he was unfailingly generous with his assistance and thoroughly professional.
Michael was preceded in death by his younger brother, Paul; and his parents, James and Lois. He leaves his wife of 38 years, daughters and son-in-law Joe Willson; three siblings, brother James (and his sister-in-law, Suzanne), and his sisters Marianne and Mary Pat; as well as numerous family members and friends.
Michael tended to be reserved, was notably bright, articulate, witty, and had relentless curiosity. Ever the student, he was very well versed on just about any topic. He remained genuine and completely without pretense; never boastful, his humility was a characteristic of his gracious approach to others. Though understated, his humor was an abiding strength, along with his great smile and laugh as he could be very funny. Michael’s faith was the most important part of his life. But his family was next. He loved his family deeply and his devotion to them was unconditional.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 18th, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 20th. Both services will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E 10th St, Houston, TX 77008.The visitation and Mass will be livestreamed on All Saints’ Facebook page: @AllSaintsHouston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that donations be made in Michael McEnrue’s memory to Gonzaga College High School, 19 Eye St NW, Washington, D.C. where he had been a long and faithful supporter.
The family understands that there are many who would like to be present but are unable to travel or attend due to pandemic-related concerns. Sometime later this year, when gatherings are permitted without undue fears or restrictions, a memorial mass will be scheduled followed by a Celebration of Life where family and friends can come together and share “Michael memories.” Information about this event will be shared widely in multiple ways.
Claire, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Mary Frances wish to thank their many family members and friends who were so attentive during the 15 months of Michael’s illness. Especially important have been the friends who brought delicious meals, the couples in our Teams of Our Lady marriage enrichment group, and the doctors and staff at MD Anderson.