Martha Chambers Frede

She got intellectual stimulation through the SAGE Continuing Education Program at UT, of which she was a founding member and chair of the board. She was an avid reader and active member of the Third Friday Book Club. For many years after she retired, she spent part of her summers in Taos, New Mexico. She found wonderful old and new friends, devoted staff and many stimulating activities when she moved to the Westminster Retirement Community at age 85. She was a Yellow Dog Democrat and political junkie, a seeking, heretical Episcopalian Buddhist, and a fake redhead.

For many years she was a member of St. David’s where she served as a lector and was elected to the Vestry. She was instrumental in the construction of the magnificent 47-foot brick Labyrinth at St. David’s. Later she was drawn to the diverse, vibrant community of St. James’ Episcopal Church. At her new church home she was a lector and served on the Parish school board.

Martha was born on June 18, 1926 to Landon Benjamin and Marie Quinnelly Chambers in Marvell, Arkansas. She liked to say that it was named Marvell AFTER she was born there. She and her family lived in Monroe, Louisiana for a time before moving to Austin. Martha entered the University of Texas at age 15 and graduated with honors in bacteriology in 1945.

Martha met Ralph at a wild welcome home party in the wine cellar of Old Seville (now the Clay Pit) when she was a 19 year old recent UT graduate, and he had just returned home from the war. When he saw her smoking a cigar, he knew that she was THE ONE. They were married seven months later. After living here for five years they had to wander in the wilderness (Missouri and Houston) for forty years before coming back to the promised land (Austin).

Martha went back to school when her daughters were ages 7 to 17 to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology. She was very honored to be a part of the lives of those who came to her for help, and she loved hearing people’s stories.

There were sad chapters in Martha’s life. Her father died when she was 11. Her precious daughter Gretchen died at age 11. Her much loved grandson, Jack Jenkins died at age 17. Also, there was Ralph’s long, slow decline with Alzheimer’s. Through each of these painful times, she was fortunate to have the support of her extended family and caring friends.

Martha is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis and Rick Patrick, Beth and Adam Walmus, Sarah and Scott Jenkins of Austin, Ellen Frede and Steven Barnett of New Brunswick, NJ, her grandchildren Ginny Patrick (Chad Hinds) and Dan Patrick, Walker Walmus (Andi Walmus) and daughter Maple, Alicia Clifton (Jeremy Clifton) and daughters Tilly and Thyri, Emily Jenkins, and Andy Barnett-Guo (April Barnett-Guo), and some very special nephews and nieces.

The memorial service will be held Monday, March 25th at 1:30pm, at Westminster Senior Living, in the Harris Bell Hall, located at 4100 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731. Parking is very limited. Ride-share is recommended.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Planned Parenthood, 201 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin 78704, or St. James Episcopal Church, 1941 Webberville Rd., Austin 78721.

Martha’s remains will be scattered along a favorite hiking trail overlooking the city of Taos.