1918 - 2018
Edith McAllister died peacefully in her sleep July 1, 2018 at the age of 100. Cause of death was congestive heart failure.
Edith was generally described as a "philanthropist," but was also known as a great beauty, an accomplished dancer, a gracious entertainer, an animal lover, and a remarkable fund-raiser/ problem solver/ trustee for a long list of community organizations.
Born in Madisonville, Texas to Rosa Wilson and Reece W. Scott, she also lived in Davenport, Iowa before her father moved the family to San Antonio so that he could develop the Hot Wells Hotel and Spa, a venture that fell victim to the Great Depression.
Edith was married to Walter W. McAllister, Jr., son of Walter W. McAllister, Sr., the beloved five term Mayor of San Antonio. Edith and Walter, Jr. met at Jefferson High School in 1933 and were married seven years later. They had four children: Walter III ("Bo"), Taddy, Reagin, and Eloise.
Walter, Jr. was the long-time President and later Chairman of the Board of San Antonio Savings Association, a company founded by the Mayor. Not content to be merely a stay-at-home mother, Brownie troop leader, and President of the PTA, Edith began doing volunteer work with the Junior League. She soon expanded her efforts to the San Antonio Art League, the San Antonio Symphony, the Battle of Flowers Association, the Children's Service Bureau and the San Antonio Art Institute, to name a few.
With experience came a string of "firsts," including being the first woman on the Boy Scouts board and the first woman in the United States to be a Campaign Chairman for the United Way. She was a founder of the Southwest Craft Center, now the Southwest School of Art, and its Club Giraud; a founder of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center, now part of the UT Health Science Center; and the founding chairman of the advisory board for the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics. She also served on the Centennial Commission for UT-Austin and was the Vice Chairman of the UTSA Development Board for 20 years. As a passionate lover of animals, she was pleased to serve on the Board of the UT Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, whose Animal Rehabilitation facility was named in her honor. At her busiest, Edith served simultaneously on 22 boards and was honored countless times by local groups.
She always said that she was "born happy," and this quality, along with her intelligence, courage, equanimity, curiosity, tolerance and above all, energy, attracted many admirers. She danced until the band stopped, swam every morning regardless of weather, and slalom water skied through her 92nd summer. Her Christmas party for community leaders and old friends held every year on December 21 was an institution. Her generosity of spirit, bright eyes and beautiful smile will be missed.
Edith is survived by her four children, their spouses, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Southwest School of Art, 300 Augusta St., 78205, the San Antonio Symphony, P.O. Box 658, 78293, The ARK, UTMSI, 750 Channel View, Port Aransas 78373, or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 9th, 2018 at 4:00 in the afternoon at First Presbyterian Church.
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I first met Edith McAllister when she came to visit her daughter Taddy in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1990. Taddy and I had met a few months earlier, when I commented on the "Texan accent," I heard in the ticket line at the Czech national theater.
Edith was a beautiful woman, and so ALIVE.
I met her several more times over the years, when Taddy would come to Houston from Washington, DC where she lived, and would bring Edith along to visit. They usually stayed with Bill Hobby and his family on South Blvd.
It was a pleasure knowing and being around Edith McAllister.
Michael Zargarov
Friend
March 5, 2021
Fredric Scott
May 7, 2019
Edith was one of the most wonderful women I have ever met. Kind, gracious, loving, funny, compassionate, beautiful, considerate and so very much more. It was a pleasure to see her in action at the San Antonio Museum of Art. The world sure lost a shining ball of energy and love when she moved on to heaven. Condolences to all who love her. - Freeda Massey Babson
Freeda Massey Babson
October 21, 2018
Blessings and peace to the family of a true Grande Dame!
Celeste Archer
Friend
October 19, 2018
I am saddened by the loss of a wonderful lady and friend but am thankful for her long and very full life. I so hated to miss the service but we were traveling, unable to attend. Edith and Sono were close friends of my parents who would have wanted me to represent our family by being present at the memorial service. Regards to the family, especially my friend Bo. JW joins me in extending our condolescence.
Jan Pieper
Friend
July 11, 2018
Our prayers and condolences to Taddy and to all of the McAllister family.Our lives have definitely been made better by knowing and being a friend to such an incredible and fun woman! Not only did she raise millions of dollars to benefit the San Antonio and Port Aransas communities, but she was also a gracious hostess at both cities. She inspired and mentored countless volunteers in the art of civic leadership and fund-raising and she was a fantastic dancer! She will certainly be missed and fondly remembered as an inspiration to all and we will keep all of her family in our prayers. Rose Marie and Buddy Banack
Rose Marie and Buddy Banack
Friend
July 11, 2018
My sincere condolences to the McAllister family. It was necessary for Edith to live 100 years in order to begin to do all she did for family, friends and the community. She inspired and was herself inspiring. My thoughts are with you all.
janet alyn
Family Friend
July 11, 2018
My condolence to the family.
Billie Wilson
Acquaintance
July 9, 2018
Loving thoughts and prayers to the family of Mrs. McAllister. She was such a thoughtful, kind and remarkable woman who always remembered the Carter family. We know she will be greatly missed for she was so dearly loved. May she now rest in heaven.
"Clearn Carter(RIH) and Johnnie Carter"
Johnnie Mae Carter
July 9, 2018
Edith McAllister was such an inspiration to all who met her. Her leadership, poise and grace will be deeply missed in our community, especially in the non-profit community. A trail blazer, she had so many firsts in her life, including being the first woman recipient of the O'Krent Humanitarian Award presented by Boysville. We are grateful for all she did for the children of Boysville.
Boysville Board and Staff
Friend
July 9, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to Bo and the rest of the McAllister family on the loss of their mother. Mrs. McAllister was an elegant and classy lady. She will be missed by so many.
Ann Moore
Friend
July 9, 2018
Eloise, Wyatt, Taddy, Reagin and Bo,
My life has truly been truly blessed by knowing your mother and experiencing what a great life force she was. I will always remember watching her slalom sky off the back of your boat in Port A at 85 when I couldn't get up on them myself. But it was her zest for life, dancing feet and warm and beautiful smile that I will forever see when I think of her. As I have always said to you Elo, your mom was the woman I aspired to be by the end of my time on this earth. You all are her legacy and I wish you peace and warm memories always. Jill Ireland
Jill Ireland
Family Friend
July 9, 2018
Fondly remembering a dear friend, an exquisite dance partner, and the many contributions made by Edith to our community. It was a privilege to have known her as I did.
Robert Ramirez
Friend
July 9, 2018
She was a remarkable woman, we were lucky to have seen her on her skis in her beloved Port A waters. Sending our condolences and love, Bob & Lisa
Bob Wade
Friend
July 9, 2018
I have such fond memories of Edith from our family's visits to Magic Springs and Port Aransas. To this day, when people help me clear the table, I tell them not to stack the plates, just as Edith taught me. My dad recently gave me a set of stemware from a Port Aransas artist that Taddy introduced him to, and using it makes me think of the McAllisters and how much they have meant to us.
Megan Willome
Family Friend
July 9, 2018
I was fortunate to have met such a great, elegant, and classy lady as Mrs. McAllister who is now in the arms of God. My prayers and deepest sympathy to Bo and his family for their loss of a dear parent.
Irene (Mama Renie) Keller
July 8, 2018
Bo, Taddy, Reagan, and Eloise, Your mother was one of the "Great Ones". So many memories of SA and PA. May her soul rest in peace.
John J Kuntz III
Family Friend
July 8, 2018
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Barry and Kimberly Harrison
July 8, 2018
Joy, Blessings and Peace for such a Good Life so well lived and shared...
Prof Jonathan Paul De Vierville
Acquaintance
July 7, 2018
We will all miss your passion and inspiration -- your elegance and grace. And seeing you on the dance floor! Prayers for the family. Such a great loss for all.
Deb Bolner Prost
Friend
July 7, 2018
Eloise, so sorry to hear off your dear Mother's passing. She was a great lady who made every moment count. She is a loss to San Antonio but her time here was done and it's time for her to begin the next stage of her journey. May your grief be lessened by knowing she is on a blessed path.
Frances Matt
Acquaintance
July 7, 2018
Nancy and I always considered you to be such a lovely lady, and a joy to be with, no matter what the occasion. Your wonderful smile and elegant presence will be missed and cannot be replaced. God Bless you deal lady, and we will keep your family in our prayers. Nancy and Ed Kelley
Edward Kelley
Friend
July 6, 2018
Beauty, Grace, Kindness, Vision, Generosity. An inspiration to all who knew her.
Esther Nelson
Friend
July 5, 2018
On behalf of Los Alegradores, please accept our deepest Sympathy. Mrs. McAllister was one of the founding members of this Dinner/Dance Club. She loved to dance and always asked to be seated closest to the dance floor. She will be greatly missed!
Carolina Canales
President of Los Alegradores
Carolina Canales
Friend
July 5, 2018
THANK YOU EDITH FOR SOME GREAT MEMORIES
DON BRASWELL
July 5, 2018
Always a great lady and happy to see us walk through the front door.
Sam Dunlap, Boerne, TX
Sam Dunlap
Friend
July 5, 2018
Mark and I will miss you and always be grateful for your friendship! You welcomed us with open arms when we moved to SA 25 years ago and made us welcome. This year on 12-21 we hope you will still be partying in heaven.
Mark and Lori Wright
Friend
July 4, 2018
"Edith, You were a "True Star" in the ballroom circuit and a "Real Hero" for our Dancing With The Children program... You Showed Us So Much Love & Support... The Children of The Westside Will Miss... Make The Heavens Dance Edith!!!
Jorge Alonso Perez
Friend
July 4, 2018
My condolences to the McAllister Family. Edith was a "one of a kind" person. I was fortunate to have enjoyed her friendship. RIP
SYLVIA ROMO
July 4, 2018
So sorry for your loss, you are all in our hearts and prayers.
Lydia Townsend
Friend
July 4, 2018
Great lady, great contributions. Left lot of memories. We all will miss her.
Bhagwat Ahluwalia
July 4, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. Edith was a great lady. I have memories of her working with my mother on the Cancer Center Council. Deborah yancy
deborah yancy
July 4, 2018
Edith, you were a one of a kind dynamo of a person. You did so much good in your lifetime, and will not be forgotten in San Antonio.
Terry Gay Puckett
July 3, 2018
Edith was Extraordinary. Exemplary. And Enduring. Our family celebrates her life and legacy. We send our love to The McAllister family. So lucky to have you as friends.
Donald, Abbie, Hayley, Bryce and Gray Rutledge
Abbie Rutledge
Family Friend
July 3, 2018
Edith taught us to be fearless, loving, and joyful, all while looking fabulous. I will miss her in Port Aransas in her fabulous bathing caps. Anne Ashmun
Anne Ashmun
Friend
July 3, 2018
Edith McAllister was an inspiration! She gives the words "Beautiful Life" special meaning. What a legacy she leaves.
Merrifield Sandra
Acquaintance
July 3, 2018
Great memories of a lovely person. Clyde w. Ellis
Clyde W. Ellis
Acquaintance
July 3, 2018
A life well lived is an understatement. May peace be with her whole family. John Bachman
July 3, 2018
My sincere condolences to the McAllister family in the passing of a very caring mother, Edith McAllister. She exemplified the best in being the person she was with everyone she came in contact with. There can never be enough words to say of all the good deeds she rendered in the lives of many.
My heart goes out to her family in the sorrow and sadness they are feeling at this moment. I share your pain, and I know how hard it is to loose a loved one who has always been there for you.
My prayers are with you and I know her spirit will live in all of us for the rest of our lives.
Dan Martinez
Dan Martinez
July 3, 2018
Our condolences .
Ernst & Alva Rahe
July 3, 2018
I remember Mrs. McAllister during my eight years of working at the CTRC. She was always so kind, compassionate, and had a very generous heart. I thoroughly enjoyed her because she was so inspiring, with her contagious smile and enthusiasm. I pray that God will bless you all with His love, comfort and peace.
Billie Averitt
Friend
July 2, 2018
Dear McAllister family.....the Hoffman family from the Ranch in Bastrop extends their condolences on Edith's passing. What an incredible life she led. We were lucky to have met here when she visited the WW McAllister ranch along the banks of the Colorado River near Bastrop. Her children also made that trek and we have fond remembrances of their visits as well. Please know that we are thinking of you and will remember Edith through here work with the ARK in Port Aransas.
Shirley Hoffman-Quincy
Acquaintance
July 2, 2018
Edith you will be missed. The community is a better place because of you. The Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council sends it love and prayers. You are definitely an Angel now. I loved hearing your stories.
"May the Great Scoutmaster of all true Scouts be with you till we meet again."
Yours in Scouting
Michael de los Santos, Scout Executive
Photo above of Good Scout Award past recipients.
Michael de los Santos
July 2, 2018
God Bless You, Dear Lady, and Love Towards Family All.
Bryan Hendryx
Acquaintance
July 2, 2018
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