Marie Dolores Behr Feuerbacher

Marie Dolores Behr Feuerbacher Marie Dolores Behr Feuerbacher, age 85, our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was called to join her Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 6, 2006. She was born on May 8, 1921 in Paris, Texas, the only child of Mary and Charles Behr. When she was nine years old, at the time of her parents' divorce, she entered Catholic boarding school, which she attended in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio while her father traveled throughout Texas teaching business courses. When she became high school age, Marie entered public school in Bryan, Texas, graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1939. She was the editor of the high school yearbook and continued a love for writing prose and poetry throughout her lifetime. In February 1939, our father, Chester Feuerbacher, visited a Catholic dance in Taylor, Texas which mother also attended. Daddy came from Austin and mother came from Bryan, but it was a meeting that was meant to be. Mother's long red hair and blue eyes captured his attention right away. They began a long-distance courtship, which soon became an engagement. The couple married on September 24, 1939 and remained devoted to each other until his death in 1992. As a young girl, Marie spent many happy summers at the side of her grandmother, Ida Elliot Williams, learning how to cook, sew and keep an immaculate home. She always spoke so dearly of her grandmother and passed many of the things she learned from her to her daughters and granddaughters. Most especially, Mother's home cooking was known throughout the family and many of her recipes are published in various cookbooks. She always insisted all beds were made daily and all dishes were washed after each meal. In 1941, Chester and Marie bought their first and only home, a small Austin Limestone house. Because she had moved so often as a child, Marie would say many times, "this house is the only home I have ever known." She loved her home and enjoyed taking care of it, as well as her flower garden, pets, and visiting with her long-time neighbors. Marie was a Catholic in her youth, but in 1947, she converted to the Lutheran faith to unite her family, since Chester was already a member of St. Martin's Lutheran Church. She was a faithful and devoted Christian and could say a very heartfelt prayer when called upon. Along with being active in her church, she was also active in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons of Hermann, Order of the Eastern Star, and spousal member of the Telephone Pioneers. She was also a Brownie Leader and president of the Ridgetop PTA. One of her proudest moments was when she was awarded a certificate by the city of Austin for 50 years of service as an election official. She is survived by two daughters; Sharon Huegele and husband Ernest of San Antonio, and Diane Bennett of Friendswood. Marie is also survived by six granddaughters and 12 great-grandchildren: Cara Mierl (Steve), Hayden and Tanner; Kimbra Culpepper (Craig), Devin and Kayla; Kristen Baker (Reid), Zachary and Julia; Michelle Davis (Brett) and Austin; Clarissa Carpenter, Garrett and Kaleigh; and Melissa Alworth (Dwight), Kyle, Hudson and Madison. Marie was so proud of her six granddaughters and their families. For as long as she was able, she attended as many of their activities and special events as possible. Throughout her lifetime, Marie loved God, people, cats, flowers, and butterflies. She was well known throughout central Austin for her bright red hair and friendly way. We will miss her with all of our heart. Our family wishes to thank special friends who helped our mother in so many ways, most especially to stay in her home for as long as possible. We are eternally grateful to Kim Howard, A.C. Rodriguez, and Leigh and Chris Burnett. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at Weed-Corley- Fish Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th Street, Austin, with Rev. Craig Sommer officiating. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park on Hancock Boulevard. "A mother is a friend for all time, to cherish and protect, as her achieve- ments will linger for generations". Obituary and guestbook online at http://wcfish.com