Kathryn L. Heitman

Kathryn Lee Fogleman Heitman, passed away on March 4, 2011, two days prior to her 89th birthday. Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Eileen Oge Fogleman and John Lee Fogleman, her sisters, Beverly Fogleman and Alice Fogleman Lagroue and by her beloved husband and love of her life, Talmage M. Heitman, Jr.

Kathryn and Talmage leave behind an estate of wealth that is measured beyond any physical property value: a loving family in three generations that survive them.

Born in Opelousas, Louisiana on March 6, 1922, “Tassie” (as she was affectionately called by her family), attended school in different southern Louisiana towns as she accompanied her mother to job locations. She received her high school diploma from the Academy of the Immaculate Conception (AIC) in Opelousas in 1939.

She graduated with an R.N. degree from Hotel Dieu College of Nursing (Beaumont, Texas) in May of 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, remaining on active duty until 1946. Kathryn proudly served her country during World War II, a Lieutenant J-G in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. Honorably discharged, Kathryn continued her nursing career in Katy, Texas and later in Houston, becoming a life-long Houston resident after her marriage to Talmage in April of 1947.

Kathryn’s distinguished military service records are chronicled at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington, D.C. She was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, an active member of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church (until 2008), a member of the Seabrook Sailing Club, and belonged to several AARP chapters, where she enjoyed traveling and very special friendships. She was an avid gardener and loved tinkering in her yard.

Known to her husband as “Lil’ One,” her children as “Mama,” her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Mama Kay,” Kathryn was “one of a kind,” beloved to all who knew her and especially to her family who will miss her love and support.

Kathryn is survived by her sister: Peggy Bordelon Landry; half-sister: Barbara Fogleman Allison; four children: Jane Heitman MacDonald and husband James R., of McKinney, Texas, Caroll Jordan Hatcher and husband, Thomas Y., of Las Vegas, Nevada, Karl W. Heitman and wife Joy M., of Barrington, Illinois, Mary Heitman Jones and husband, Kim W., of Houston, Texas; ten grandchildren: Shannon C. MacDonald, Alec B. MacDonald and wife Laura, Jeremy B. Jordan and wife Amy, Erik W. Heitman and wife Annie, Paul A. Heitman and wife Elitsa, Sarah E. Heitman, Todd M. Heitman, Kyle W. Jones and wife Megan, Blake A. Jones and wife Holly, Phillip E. Jones; and nine great-grandchildren: Jeremiah and Paul Jordan, Emily and Abigail MacDonald, Madeline and Margot Heitman, Karl and Grant Heitman, and Claire Jones. (Additional great-granddaughter Jones, to arrive in April.)

The family would like to thank her devoted daughter and caregiver, Mary Heitman Jones, who brought so much joy and happiness to her life during her golden years. Also, a special acknowledgement to the staff of The Village at Gleannloch Farm, especially the Certified Nursing Assistants who always made her feel special.

Donations in Kathryn’s name may be made to Villa de Matel, for retired Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, (Attn: Sister Rachel O’Keefe), 6510 Lawndale, Houston, TX 77023, 713-928-6053.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, from 6-8pm, with a Rosary recited at 7pm at Champions Brookside Funeral Home, 3410 FM 1960 West. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 12, St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379. Interment to follow at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer, Houston. Pallbearers: her eight grandsons; Processional: led by her two granddaughters, followed by her nine great-grandchildren.