Martine Underwood Connally

Martine Underwood Connally of Austin, Texas, died on January 27, 2015, after a lengthy illness. Martine was born in Waco, Texas, on February 24, 1930, daughter of Henry Clyde Underwood and Minnie Louella Wheeler Underwood, both of Rogers, Texas. She graduated from high school in 1946 in Big Springs, Texas, and married William Isaac Connally in 1948.

Martine had a keen eye and a talent for fine fabrics, clothing design, and sewing. She began working in the industry in 1956, rising to a position as regional manager for Swiss Bernina. She retired with much fanfare in Austin in 1995. During this time she was able to pursue her passion for travel, visiting 33 states and 31 countries. In retirement, she continued her sewing and embraced genealogy, oil painting, and volunteer work with Austin Children's Shelter, as well as attending anything to do with her grandchildren both locally and in California whenever possible. Martine truly enjoyed living at the Atria at Arboretum for the past two years with her beloved kitty, Romeo, and meeting so many wonderful, new friends.

Martine was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Monroe Clifton Underwood, her sister, Janice Underwood O'Hara, her grandson, Russell Connally Roberson and son•in-law, Dr. Floyd G. Betts. She is survived by her five children: Dr. Dianne Connally Betts of Dallas, Texas, William Thomas Connally and wife Suzie of Magnolia, Texas, Joanne Connally Jaffe and husband James Lawrence of Piedmont, California, William Dennis Connally and wife Anne of Dallas, Texas, Teresa Connally Roberson and husband Richard of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by granddaughter Dr. Rachel Jaffe Post and husband Noah, grandson Stuart Jaffe, grandson Brian Roberson, step-granddaughter Vanessa Racca and husband Chuck, step• great-granddaughter Natasha Little, as well as nieces, Amanda Underwood Kennedy, Candace Underwood, Heather O'Hara and nephew, David Underwood.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home on North Lamar.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Austin Children's Shelter, 4800 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78723 or to the charity of your choice.

The family extends much appreciation for the physicians who cared for her - Dr. Frank Zidar, Dr. Jeoffrey Whitehill, Barbara Solnek, Dr. Jeffrey Kocurek, Dr. Ann Hathcock, Dr. Robert Wozniak, and other specialists and nurses.