Kitty Borah

Kitty Lee Borah (née Watkins), born on September 9, 1935, in Kilgore, Texas, passed away on January 21, 2026, in Houston, Texas. She was 90 years old.

A proud Texan and lifelong learner, Kitty pursued her education with dedication and distinction. She graduated from Kilgore College in 1955 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio/Television from the University of Houston in 1958. Her passion for communication and the arts led her to further her studies at the University of Houston, where she obtained a Master of Science degree in Speech in 1972.

Kitty began her professional career at KUHT TV Public Broadcasting in Houston from 1956 to 1958. She then joined KTRK TV Channel 13 in Houston, where she worked from 1958 until 1975. Her work during this time reflected her commitment to media and public communication during a transformative era for television broadcasting. In 1975, Kitty transitioned into the corporate world with Shell Oil Company, where she remained a valued employee until her retirement in 2012—a remarkable tenure that spanned nearly four decades.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kitty found joy and companionship in the simple pleasures of life. She loved immersing herself in books and great films, but perhaps nothing brought her more delight than the company of her beloved West Highland Terriers—Frazier, Kiltie, and MacKenzie Girl—who were cherished members of her family.

Kitty is lovingly remembered by her son, Brett Borah, and granddaughter, Audrey Boender Borah. Her legacy lives on through them and through all who knew and admired her.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and serve as a lasting tribute to a life well lived.

From Kitty:

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
- Mary Elizabeth Frye (1932)

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.