Enrique "Henry" Nievez

Enrique "Henry" Nievez, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters, sons-in-law, granddaughters, and grandsons on Monday, December 26, 2022. Henry was born near Richards Spur, OK on May 14, 1928 to Eberardo Nievez and Maria Martinez. He was the sixth of twelve children: Nellie (deceased), Suzy (deceased), Annie (deceased), Minnie (deceased), Stella (deceased), Ben (deceased), Charlie (deceased), Jimmy (deceased), and Donald (deceased). He is survived by his sister Gloria and his brother Rudy. Henry was born into a family of Mexican-American migrant farmers and his first language was Spanish. As a young boy, Henry attended school in a one room schoolhouse, but spent much of his youth traveling around the country working alongside his family. Henry worked to help support his family from a young age. In his career, he went on to become a respected butcher and foreman. His brothers and sisters looked up to and relied upon Henry throughout their lives. Henry was known to be a kind, gentle, and loving brother and protector of his family. Henry was also an active and respected member of his community, often serving as a sponsor for immigrants to the United States.Henry is preceded in death by his lifelong love and wife of sixty-three years, Irene. He is survived by daughters Teresa Sansalone and husband Victor, Lydia Fuller and husband David, Catherine O'Connor and husband Mike. He also leaves behind his precious grandchildren Mario Enrique Sansalone, Miguel Sansalone and wife Claire; Alex Fuller and wife Dana, Caroline Fuller and partner Ben; Danny O'Connor, Jamie O'Connor, Leslie O'Connor, and Chris O'Connor and wife Terri. Henry has six delightful great-grandchildren: Maria Matilde Sansalone (child of Miguel and Claire); Elias and Ava Fuller (children of Alex and Dana); and William, Benjamin, and Zachary O'Connor (children of Chris and Terri). Henry is also lovingly remembered by his cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. Henry, along with his late wife Irene, recognized the importance of education and the opportunities it would offer. They placed a particular priority on the religious education of their daughters and made personal sacrifices to send them to Catholic schools. Henry and Irene proudly encouraged their children and grandchildren to pursue higher education, with many earning advanced degrees.Henry was a lifelong Catholic. He was active in church, beginning at Little Flower Catholic Church where he and Irene were married in 1953, and where his daughters were baptized. His daughters attended St. James Catholic School and Mount St. Mary's High School. Later he was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church, where many of his grandchildren attended school. In the last few years, he renewed his connection to Little Flower.Henry loved many things, including socializing with family and friends, gardening, watching football, Werthers Originals hard candy, his beloved pets, and McDonald's coffee. He was a natural builder and creator, especially of items enjoyed by his family. Henry and Irene enjoyed making dozens of tamales every Christmas.Henry was a loving and hands-on grandfather. He played a very active role in all the lives of his grandchildren. When they were in elementary school, he and Irene made them breakfast and picked them up after school, and they would play in their backyard as he gardened. Henry is remembered by all as a loving, gentle, and generous man. He was honest, kind, and hardworking. Thank you to the staff and residents at St. Ann's Assisted Living Center for their care and thoughtfulness. Rosary will be said Tuesday, January 3rd at 7 p.m. at Smith & Kernke, located at 1401 NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 4th at 10 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church with interment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Latino Community Development Agency, located at 420 SW 10th Street in Oklahoma City.