Martha Ann Pack Brinkmann

1937 - 2025

Martha Ann Pack Brinkmann
June 2, 1937 - October 13, 2025
Martha Ann Pack Brinkmann, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a trailblazer in Catholic journalism, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at the age of 88.
Born on June 2, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas, she embodied a deep Catholic faith and a love of learning that shaped a life devoted to service. She graduated from Blessed Sacrament Academy in 1955 and earned her bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1958. In 1962, she married Paul Gilbert Brinkmann, beginning a 63-year marriage filled with love and partnership. Together, they raised four children and watched their family grow to include five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren-each one a source of pride and joy. Family was always at the heart of her life, and her greatest happiness was the love of family-a love her family continues to share.
She began her career as a teacher in the San Antonio Independent School District, where she taught fourth and fifth grade. She eventually left the classroom to focus on raising her family. In the mid-1970s, when her children were older, she began writing for Today's Catholic, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. What started as small assignments soon grew into greater responsibility, and in 1984 she was named editor-the first woman and first layperson to hold the position. For nearly two decades, she guided the paper, never missing a deadline, and led it from financial struggle to stability and success. Under her leadership, Today's Catholic chronicled milestones such as Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to San Antonio and gave voice to everyday Catholics living their faith.
Colleagues remembered her as both tough and compassionate, a leader who combined perseverance, courage, determination, and humor. She mentored writers, inspired loyalty among staff, and built a newspaper that bridged generations of readers. At her retirement in 2002, Bishop Bernard Popp praised her as "a great editor" who helped everyone appreciate Catholic journalism, while Rev. J. Willis Langlinais called her "the longest and most effective editor Today's Catholic has had."
Her contributions were recognized in 1990 when she received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal from Pope John Paul II-one of the highest honors a layperson can receive for distinguished service to the Church. She was also named an outstanding graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University and remembered as a pioneer for Catholic women in leadership and journalism, opening doors for those who followed.
Beyond her professional work, she was known for her faith, devotion to family, and quiet way of encouraging others. That spirit carried into her years as a Girl Scout leader, where she modeled service, integrity, and kindness-guiding her daughter and many other girls in Scouting, while also instilling those same values in her sons. She also chaired the Archdiocesan Commission on Women, organized Catholic women's conferences, and played an active role in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding across faith traditions.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; their four children-Cathy Skurow and her husband Dave, Col. Robert Brinkmann, U.S. Army (Ret.), and his wife Sandy, John Brinkmann and his wife Claudia, and David Brinkmann and his wife Lily; her grandchildren-Stephanie Miller, Robby Brinkmann and his wife Rebecca, Matthew Brinkmann and his wife Katheryn, Iona Brinkmann, and Elowen Brinkmann; and five great-grandchildren-Allison, Luke, Madeline, Edward, and Atticus. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Pack Crook; sisters-in-law Gloria Brinkmann and Charlene Gause; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Connie and Ann Pack, as well as other beloved family members who now welcome her into eternal rest.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4411 Moana Dr., San Antonio, Texas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Today's Catholic. Those wishing to send floral tributes may do so through FuneralCaring USA (www.funeralcaringusa.com).
Her family and the Catholic community she served will remember Martha Ann Pack Brinkmann as a woman of courage, conviction, and faith-a voice for the Church, a heart for her community, and an enduring example of love.