Lillian Estelle Israel

Lillian Estelle Zimmerman Israel, 88, of New Braunfels, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who love her on September 24, 2017. She was born on March 8, 1929 in Round Rock, Texas to parents Emil and Ida Zimmerman as the 7th of 9 children (one sister and 7 brothers).

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Bob Jolly Israel, parents, and 8 siblings. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Phyllis Henslee and son in law Dan; loving sons, Dwain and daughter-in-law Lucinda; Gordon; and Tim and daughter-in-law Renee Israel; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law Fayrene Zimmerman and Arlene Zimmerman; and brother-in-law Alvin Bauer. Grandchildren and families: Danny and Mistey Henslee, children Daniel, Bria, and Summer; Jeff and Laura Henslee, children Brooke, Jeffrey, and great-great granddaughter Abby; Karen and Antonio Aguilar, children Elizabeth and Eliana; Joe and Lora Henslee, children Chad, Blake, Josh, Lance, Austin, O’Connor, and Hazil; Kim and Rob Higgs, children Devan, Ashlyn, Townes, and Kamron; Casey and Maresa Israel, children Sam and Jona; Sarah and Greg Gaines, children Lyla and Jack; Zachary Israel; Katherine and Andy Bell; Amy and Greg Oliszewski, children Taylor, Alex and Emily; John Israel; Nathan Israel; Bea West-Israel

Lillian married the love of her life Bob Jolly Israel in 1948 and spent 53 loving years together raising a family in Austin. She was a full-time parent as well as a professional at IRS. They retired together on 18 acres in Elgin (“Hungry Woods”) where they spent time gardening, cooking, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. She was well known for her homemade peach cobbler made from Paw Paw’s home-grown peaches. She hosted a week-long summer camp for the grandchildren with t-shirt making, reading stories together, hatching baby ducks, fishing in the tank, picking warm peaches and dewberries, and sharing ice cream before bed. No-one ever wanted to leave Maw Maw’s house so she created the “going home prize” to help persuade the grandkids to get in the car.

Lillian was an active member in her Methodist church and participated in numerous bible study and reading groups. She was an avid sports fan, enjoying professional and college football and baseball, and she never missed a Spurs game. Christmas celebrations were special with traditional carols sung as a family before presents were shared.

Lillian was a loved wife, mother, grandmother (Maw Maw), great grandmother, and neighbor who brought joy and laughter to all who were in her life. She loved to be surrounded by her family and entertained by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our Maw Maw will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 1:00 PM in The Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home with interment following in Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.