KAZEN
Drusilla Marie Perkins Kazen, last surviving grandchild of George Douglas Perkins, renowned Iowa statesman and publisher of the Sioux City Journal, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the age of 94 at her residence in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by her family. Drusilla, known for most of her life as Duchess, was the daughter of Samuel Julien Perkins and Marion McDermott Perkins. Born October 10, 1917 in Sioux City Iowa, she lost her father at the age of 4 and later moved to San Antonio with her mother and twin brother and sister Douglas Samuel Perkins and Lucy Perkins Brown, all who preceded her in death. Mrs. Kazen attended San Antonio schools, and at her death was the oldest surviving alumnus of St. Anthony Catholic School in Monte Vista. She graduated from Edison High School in 1934 and thereafter attended The University of Texas at Austin where she was honored as a Bluebonnet Belle. While at the University she met and married E. James Kazen who served for many years as District Attorney and State District Judge in Laredo, Texas. Judge Kazen preceded her in death in 2003. They were the parents of five children, who have become prominent in various fields of endeavor including law, the judiciary, business, education and the arts. Virginia Kazen Van Steenberg (Gus), attorney, educator and real estate developer, James Douglas Kazen (Tina), Executive Vice President, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Judge George Philip Kazen (Barbara Ann - deceased), Senior U.S. District Judge, Felisa Kazen of New York, university professor, media consultant and performing artist, and Barbara Anne Kazen of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Austin, attorney, author and lecturer. All children survive her. Drusilla often joked that she had always intended to go to law school but instead got her law degree the easy way when she married Jimmy. As a child in Chicago she studied dancing with Valentina, famous dancer, actress, and later exclusive designer. In San Antonio she studied under various schools of dance, particularly with Mimi and Pamei at the New York School of Dance. While attending the University she continued her dance studies with Annette Duval and participated in several of the school musical productions as a soloist. Drusilla remained an avid dancer her entire life. She and Judge Kazen were well known for their ballroom dancing and were often the stars on the dance floor, especially in the Anacacho Room at the St. Anthony Hotel. They were also excellent tennis players and played well into their 80's. Having met at the University of Texas, they remained Longhorn Fans throughout their lives, taking all five children to every home game. Drusilla was well known for her spectacular decorations for festivities during the Washington birthday celebration in Laredo and hosted many celebrities, among these were President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, General Jonathan Wainwright, Governors John Connelly, Price Daniel, Preston Smith, and Ambassadors Covey Oliver and Tom Mann and orchestra leader, Xavier Cugat. She was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Pan American Round Table, and as Chairwoman also hosted many American and Mexican dignitaries as speakers. She decorated and planned dances for celebrations and numerous proms and coronations at Ursuline Academy and St. Joseph's Academy in Laredo. She did the choreography for the prom presentations, which remain a highlight of the lives of many students. She often worked with the gifted artist Jerry Hinojosa in producing magnificent stage decorations. In later years she owned the La Duquesa Antique and Art Gallery where she featured the works of Jerry's son, artist and bronze sculptor Armando Hinojosa. She was a student of Warren Hunter and became an accomplished watercolor artist. Drusilla was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother. She was honored twice as Mother of the Year. In addition to her five children she is survived by grandchildren Gustav Nicholas Van Steenberg, II (Alejandra), Drusilla Anne Van Steenberg (Timothy Cone), James D. Kazen, Jr., Jeffrey D. Kazen, Julian D. Kazen, Jamil (Jay) D. Kazen, Katherine D. Kazen, George Douglas Kazen (Mary), John Kazen (Hayley), and Elizabeth Kazen Flores (Michael), Gregory Kazen (Marci), Lisl Friday and Jonathan Friday (Amy), and Kalonji Kazen Bobb (Liz), 17 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. Extended family include Prissy DaCamera Hancock, Frances Notzon; Anthony (Curly) Ferris and James L. Branton. Family visitation will be Friday, December 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, followed by a Requiem Mass at 11:00 AM. Drusilla will be buried in Sioux City, Iowa in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cathedral of the Epiphany, 1011 Douglas, Sioux City Iowa, 51105, or St. Mary's Catholic Church, 202 North St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205. Condolences may be sent to the Kazen family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by:
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