Dr. Ottokar Akos Papp

Ottokar Akos Zoltan Papp, born in Debrecen, Hungary on July 28, 1928, led a remarkable life. Growing up on a farm without electricity, his early years were marked by a traditional Hungarian upbringing before facing the tumultuous arrival of Soviet forces and the subsequent Communist regime. He pursued medicine, became a doctor, and married before the 1956 Hungarian Revolution compelled him and his first wife to flee to Canada.

Starting anew in Montreal, he worked as a janitor while recertifying as a doctor and specializing in cardiology. There, he met and married the love of his life, Loree Bremner. In 1971, seeking new opportunities, they moved to Houston, Texas. In 1975, he founded Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates. In addition to being a superb physician, he was elected the Chief of Staff at the Memorial City Hospital by his peers. He was known for his kind bedside manner and generosity to staff. He was chosen as Physician of the Year numerous times.

Dr. Papp became an avid sailor, learning on Lake Conroe, then later sailing with family in Galveston Bay. When not sailing, together they spent leisure time in Kerrville, enjoying swimming, horseback riding, and the outdoors. The family also cherished memorable vacations to Europe.

Retiring in 2006, Dr. Papp and Loree moved to Kerrville. Throughout his life, Dr. Papp remained a devoted reader of The Classics, history, politics, and philosophy, always engaging in lively discussions with his wife. Being classical music-lovers, they took every opportunity to attend concerts - their favorite composers being Vivaldi and Chopin. His beloved wife, Loree, passed away in 2014.

After years enjoying time with family in San Antonio, Dr. Papp reconnected with his specialty nurse, Mary Ann Dale. They married and returned to live in Houston. They shared “joy rides” through the Texas Hill Country, dancing and dining out with friends and family.

Mary Ann and her son Marlon cared for Dr. Papp in his final years and until his passing on May 3, 2025.

Dr. Papp’s life was filled with intellectual curiosity, a resilient spirit, and a strong belief in the importance of education and hard work, values which he passed to his two children Chantal Papp and Elod Cary Papp.