Dr. Eileen Saundra Farber

Dr. Eileen Saundra Farber (née Davis), 78, passed away on January 11, 2026, in Houston, Texas. A devoted physician, passionate violinist, and spirited supporter of her community, she lived a life of resilience, intellect, and unwavering dedication to both her profession and her passions.

Born on August 7, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska, Eileen showed a deep love for music and an enduring commitment to learning even in childhood. She was a caring sister whose bold personality and sense of adventure shone through beginning early in life. Her brother Larry recounts at 13 she went to the local radio station for a job and the next thing anyone knew she was doing car commercials. Friends and family began calling her mother to ask if it was Eileen’s voice on the radio.

She received a scholarship to study violin at the University of Iowa before shifting her focus to medicine. After completing her pre-medical studies at the University of Houston, she earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School and continued studying for a Master’s in Public Health, also at UT. She completed psychiatric residencies at both, Harvard University and Baylor College of Medicine.

Eileen built a distinguished career as a psychiatrist, combining clinical expertise with compassion and insight. She was especially proud of her early work with the HIV population in Houston and helped open the Baylor AIDS clinic. She later focused on women’s issues and was a fierce advocate for abused women. Her work touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on those she served.

Outside of her professional life, Eileen remained deeply connected to the arts through her lifelong relationship with the violin. Music was not just a hobby but a vital part of who she was—a source of solace and expression throughout her life. As a medical student, she brought down the house performing a Paul Simon duet of Me and Julio Down by the School Yard at the UT Medical School talent show. At this time she also performed with the Gypsies at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Her son, Stephan, recalls Eileen taking him to see Stéphane Grappelli and David Grisman at the legendary Rockefellers Nightclub when he was 6 years old. After the concert, Eileen took him backstage to meet Grappelli who offered him his violin to play. At the end of the evening Grappelli presented Stephan with an autographed photo which he carries in his violin case today.

In addition to being a devoted mother, Eileen found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren, Julian and Stella. Whether attending Grandparents’ Day, sporting events, musical recitals, or school gatherings, she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. She especially delighted in spoiling them with their favorite treats such as a range of different tiramisu samplings for Stella.

In recent years, Eileen continued to embrace life with remarkable vitality. Even after receiving a cancer diagnosis and losing her home to Hurricane Harvey, she met adversity not with retreat but with renewed vigor. Rather than allowing these challenges to define or limit her, they seemed to embolden her. She could often be found cheering on her beloved University of Houston Cougars at Little Woodrow’s or competing at weekly trivia nights at Griff’s and The Owl Bar—activities she continued to enjoy until the very end of her life. Eileen was a member of Mensa, and her physician liked to joke that Eileen was one of her only patients to achieve a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Eileen’s Jewish faith was an important anchor throughout her life. Despite losing her mother at just 18, she honored tradition by lighting a yahrzeit candle each year for her mother in a quiet ritual that attested to the depth of her devotion and memory.

Eileen is lovingly remembered by her son Stephan Farber; brothers Joel Davis and Larry Davis with his wife Sherry; grandchildren Julian Farber and Stella Farber; niece Shana with her husband Hudson and their new baby Crosby Davis-Ross. Her family will carry forward the legacy of strength, curiosity, and warmth that defined Eileen’s life.

The family would like to thank Eileen’s incredible healthcare team including Dr. Holly Holmes, Dr. Jenny Chang, Dr. Kai Sun and her compassionate caretaker Raine Ambanta.

A graveside service will be held at Emanu El Memorial Park on January 16, 2026, at 11:00 am to honor Dr. Farber’s extraordinary journey—a celebration befitting someone who lived so fully and gave so generously of herself.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.