Marjorie S. Brichler
1936-2017
Marjorie Mae Shepherd Brichler, age 81, passed away on October 15, 2017 in Austin, Texas.
"Margie" was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 10, 1936 to Mabel and Thomas L. Shepherd. She attended Southwest High School in St. Louis, attended Washington University as an Art Major and graduated from William Woods University in 1954. She married David Danner Brichler, Sr. in 1955 and together they had two children, David D. Brichler, Jr. and Barbara Ann Brichler. As she was building her family, Marjorie also embarked on her career as a professional fine artist.
Moving to the greater Houston area in the 1960's, Marjorie taught private art classes and specialized in portraits and other commissions. She displayed her work in galleries, shows and exhibits throughout the country where she won numerous awards. She was at ease painting and teaching in all media and subject matter, including watercolor, oil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, pencil, pen and ink, and most recently, combining physical art with digital techniques.
Always driven to learn and study new skills herself, Marjorie studied with some of the nation's finest artists, including Ramon Froman, Bud Biggs, Chen Chi, Ed Whitney and E. Raymond Kinstler, to name a few. She traveled extensively to work with artists of their caliber and to capture scenic landscapes in places as diverse as New Mexico, Maine and Italy. She has been a demonstrator, lecturer and instructor for leading art organizations and was a dedicated member of the Watercolor Society of Houston, the Art League of Houston, and the Southwestern Watercolor Society. Her paintings are part of private collections internationally.
Marjorie is survived by her brother, Raymond Shepherd of Chicago, Illinois, her son, David D. Brichler, Jr. of Austin, Texas, and her granddaughter, Brittney Brichler-Joubert and husband, Dustin Joubert.
The light, color and beauty which Margie created in this world will surely shine with her into the next.
Please join in remembering Margie by visiting our Memorial at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehils.com. Through this site, you can share your thoughts and fond memories with the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Oct. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Marjorie Brichler

Sponsored by Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home.

11 Entries

Jon

August 27, 2025

So very sorry to hear of your loss.....even years later. I met Marge at an art gallery exhibiting her original artwork and purchased a magnificent original watercolor of Venice, which I still own. An amazing piece of artwork matched only by her wonderful personality and passion for teaching and creating beautiful art. Condolences to you and your family.

N M

November 24, 2017

I met Marge -- on the Internet -- about 19 years ago. Those were the early days of the World Wide Web and I chanced upon Marge on a new chat board while exploring the web. She went by an alias. I was a graduate student, soon to be married. I visited the chat board for enjoyable conversations with the small group of my new, virtual friends. I don't recall Marge's age ever coming up in our conversations, but she struck me as rather matronly through her words. She seemed soft and considerate. Indeed, I find today that she was a few years older than my own mother. A few months later I was married. In a lovely gesture, Marge sent me a fine painting of hers as a wedding gift. She wrote a sweet note at the bottom and signed below it. That is how I came to know her real name. In the ensuing months and years, as I started a new life with my wife, I moved away and moved on. I lost contact with Marge and my other friends on the chat board. Marge's painting still adorns my wall and I often look at it. I have even wondered about Marge. For some reason, I never looked her up on the Internet. On an impulse, it occurred to me to do just that today. I expected to find some information about her and her art; maybe I would find some contact information so I could say hello. I found out today that she was an accomplished artist. I also came across this obituary. I am sorry for the loss of a friend from a long time ago. What a coincidence that I set out to do this barely a month after she passed away! To all that she left behind, my deepest condolences to you. I am sure she left behind a lot of warmth. May that warmth live with you forever.

Ann Bellinger Hartley

November 5, 2017

Marge Brichler was my second watercolor teacher at Texas Art in Houston early 70's, I learned so much from her. Our class spent a week painting with her in Maine, what wonderful memories, will never forget her.

m bergen

November 5, 2017

Although not mentioned, for a brief time margie brichler also taught at the Dominican college in Houston where I was an art student in the early 70's. She is the one who introduced me to watercolors, and I have always remembered her as the great teacher and person that she was.

Pat

October 26, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. May you gain comfort by pouring out your deepest emotions to God in prayer.

October 23, 2017

May God give you the strength to keep enduring during these difficult times. Soon no more death.

October 23, 2017

Dear David and Raymond,
thank you for sharing Marjorie's Life story.
Whenever you come across one of Marjorie's paintings
my it bring joy to your heart knowing how her talents helped so many.
With deep Sympathy,
C&J Williams-Augusta, Ga

Ann Rother

October 22, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the family. Thank you for putting a notice in the St. Louis paper. I have often wondered what happened to Margie. I was a second semester freshman when Margie was crowned Miss Southwest on Oct. 7, 1952. It was exciting to have someone I knew win the coronation. I can remember her coming in the auditorium door, escorted by two lettermen, down the aisle and up on the stage to join her court. She had a warm and friendly personality, even to a lowly freshman. What I can't remember is how I knew her, Horace Mann School, Oak Hill Presbyterian Church or maybe both. Either of those places or someone in my family knew her family.
May the warm and happy memories ease the burden of your grief. God Bless you all.
Ann Schwerdtmann Rother, Southwest, Class of Jan 56.

October 22, 2017

Marge painted portraits of our children when they were 5 years of age; they are now 50 and 54, and those portraits are such treasures. She was truly a gifted, and caring artist.

Nancy Taylor, Houston

Jim Zarnow

October 22, 2017

I studied watercolor with Marge at TexArt in the 70's. In addition to her beautiful work, she was the best teacher that I ever had. I have one of her watercolors, "The Teahouse of the August Moon" which I treasure. My condolences to her family, she was a wonderful lady.

Steve Sheldon

October 22, 2017

Wow wow wow , what a lady
Wish i could have known her.
She will be sitting on left side
Of god repainting the heavens..

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