Margaret Marie Welch

Margaret Marie Welch passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025 at the remarkable age of 95. She was a beloved sister, aunt, dog mom and neighbor. Margaret was born on August 23, 1930 in Fort Worth,Texas. Margaret's journey was one of determination and intellectual curiosity. She earned her undergraduate degree in math with a minor in physics from Texas Christian University before moving to Houston in 1953 to work for Humble Oil Company which later became Exxon. She broke new ground by becoming the only female geophysicist at Humble and one of a few in the United States, a testament to her sharp mind and unwavering resolve. Not content to rest on her accomplishments, Margaret went on to earn a Master of Science degree with a minor in geology from the University of Houston in 1974. She dedicated her career to Exxon where she worked until her retirement in 1994.

Outside of a professional life, Margaret loved having fun. Her personality matched her fiery red hair. She took ballroom dance lessons for years where she met her life long friend, Ken Johnson. They went on to participate in many dance competitions. She dressed up every Halloween in her witch costume to pass out candy to all the neighborhood kids and decorated for every holiday. She enjoyed traveling and loved her coffee and chocolate. Margaret was very generous and got so much pleasure giving to others. She was very active in her church ministries as a lector, Eucharistic minister and participant in organizing the multiple blood drives throughout each year.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, James Blaine Welch and Agnes Theresa Welch and sister Aileen Welch Neil. She is survived by her sister, Mary Welch Marshall, as well as her nieces and nephews James Neil, Patricia Marshall, Mary Watson, Larry Marshall (Anne), William Neil (Karen), Stephen Marshall (Agnes), Margaret Riemitis (Andrew) and their children and grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Houston. A rosary will be recited 30 minutes before the mass begins. A reception will be held in the Monsignor Jamail Family Center immediately after. Burial will take place at Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth, Texas at a later date.