Anne McCullough Shallenberger

Anne McCullough Shallenberger, 83, went to Heaven peacefully on the 13th of August 2025, surrounded by her family. A native Houstonian, Anne was born to Marie Peckinpaugh and Robert William McCullough on Pearl Harbor Day, the 7th of December 1941.

Anne attended The Kinkaid School through her freshman year, spending summers at Camp Mystic, where she was an “M Girl.” After graduating from Lamar High School in 1959, Anne moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas, pledging Kappa Kappa Gamma and forming lifelong friendships she cherished dearly. She also served as President and Treasurer of the Houston Alumnae Association, earning its Founder’s Day Loyalty Award in 2008, and being honored at the Kappa Pilgrimage in 2022.

Anne was a member of The Junior League of Houston, where she served as past treasurer. She was also Trustee of The Ralph H. and Ruth J. McCullough Foundation & The William A. & Madeline Welder Smith Foundation, contributing to the ongoing efforts of a number of organizations.

A jazz enthusiast, Anne was also a gifted pianist who professionally played for many years, most recently entertaining her fellow residents and friends at The Tradition. While passionate about music and tennis, Anne was most deeply devoted to her family and to living a life of sobriety. In 1982, Anne committed to Alcoholics Anonymous to live one day at a time without alcohol, a pledge she kept for life. As an active member of The Council on Recovery, which she supported for more than 40 years, Anne saved many lives and helped countless others turn theirs around. When awarding Anne its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, The Council commended Anne for her “tireless volunteerism, leadership, advocacy, and stewardship which played a formative role in establishing The Council as a best-in-class center for treatment and recovery.”

Anne lived life to its fullest and brought joy into the lives of everyone she knew. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, in good times and bad, and her delightfully sharp wit, effortlessly deployed with comedic timing. Anne was accepting of everyone and was especially appreciated for her listening skills and boundless empathy.

Anne is predeceased by her parents, her brother James McCullough, and her husband Laurence Shallenberger, who she was married to for twenty-seven years. Anne is survived by her brother Robert McCullough Jr., daughter Allison Garner, son-in-law Guy Garner, grandsons Cade and Carson, and numerous cousins.

A celebration of Anne’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 13th of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Anne’s name may be directed to The Council on Recovery by visiting councilonrecovery.org or by visiting the link below under "Donations".

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