Iona Mae Hazel Walzel, age 87, of Sugar Land, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. She was born in Houston on June 26, 1937, to James Alfred and Florence Mae DeLawder.

Iona grew up in Pearland, Texas, graduating as valedictorian of Pearland High School in 1955. After attending Baylor University for two years, majoring in Music, she married Robert L. Walzel. Iona and Bob lived in Lake Jackson, Texas, where she taught piano lessons and served as organist at First United Methodist Church for almost 30 years. During these years, she also supported the music programs in the Brazosport Independent School District. Among Texas' most impactful music educators, Iona taught hundreds of piano students and played for countless other music students in competitions and performances.

Realizing a lifelong dream to complete her college education, she enrolled at the University of Houston in 1978, earning the Bachelor of Music (with Highest Honors) and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance. In 1988, Iona and Bob moved to Terneuzen, The Netherlands, where they lived for almost five years. After returning from abroad and living for one year in Midland, Michigan, Iona and Bob settled in Sugar Land, Texas. For almost 30 years, Iona spent summer and early autumn enjoying the climate and beautiful New England foliage in Center Harbor, New Hampshire.

She was a longtime member of the Texas Music Teachers Association and the American College of Musicians—National Guild of Piano Teachers, adjudicating annual auditions across the United States. Iona was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as Chaplain for the Alexander Hodge Chapter in Sugar Land. She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Houston, where her ashes will rest in the columbarium next to those of her late husband.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Florence; her husband, Bob; and her sisters Jimmie Jean Hayes and Karen Laverne Battles.

Iona is survived by her four children and their spouses – Robert L., Jr. "Bobby" (Marcie) of Richmond, TX, Michael L. "Mike" (Elizabeth) of Houston, Scott L. (Simone) of Dallas, and Wenona "Wendy" (Glen) Wells of Conroe, Texas; eight grandchildren and four spouses – Michael Thomas "Tommy" Walzel, Katherine Elaine "Katie" Walzel Gonzalez (Sergio), Kaelyn Walzel, Robert L. III "Robby" Walzel, Benjamin Scott Walzel (Gabby), Whitney Michelle Wells Rorabaugh (Ben), Alexander Michael "Alex" Walzel, and Mitchell Glen Wells (Ellyse); one great-grandson – Dominic Gonzalez; and one sister, Judith Ann "Judy" Nicholson of Victoria, Texas. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lake Jackson, Texas on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial charitable contributions be made to the Music Ministry at St. Paul's United Methodist Church https://my.stpaulshouston.org/Give/make-a-gift

Condolence messages may be written for the Walzel family at www.garmanycarden.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.