Katherine Elizabeth Mead

Katherine E. Mead, 95 of Austin returned to Heaven on March 31, 2022. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lt. Col. John C. Mead Ret. and her parents Zula and Fred Zabel. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Fred and Mary Mead of Houston, Mark and Rosa Mead of McDade and Karen and Greg Archibald of Austin, 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, all whom she adored.

She was born in Abilene Texas on 8/11/26. When she was 4 years old her mother married Fred Zabel, to whom she lovingly called Poppa. They lived a happy life in Houston, surrounded by a large family of Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. At an early age, Katherine became interested in the piano after playing on one at a neighbors house. Her mother soon enrolled her in the Houston Conservatory of Music where she studied piano and voice, competing from age 8 until her senior year at Lamar High School. Her love of music and playing the piano stayed with her throughout her life. She followed in her mother’s foot steps and became an Interior Designer, which she continued to do after marrying the love of her life and became a military wife. She helped decorate houses wherever they were stationed, raising children and being an officers wife of a Squadron Commander for the Strategic Air Command.

It was at her Grandmother’s house that she learned to play many card games, her favorite being bridge and she was quite good at it. She played in many women’s groups over the years but her favorite was her fellow Retired Officers Wives Club group from Bergstrom AFB. They were lifelong friends and enjoyed getting together monthly for lunch and laughter until a few years ago. She always believed that playing games and reading kept her mind sharp, which she read her bible daily and still played a mean game of gin and dominoes to the end.

Mom faced many health battles in her life, starting in the 60’s when our father had to retire to care for us. In 1974, after a major surgery she was told she wouldn’t walk again. You never told our mother that she couldn’t do something, she was one strong and determined woman. Within 6 months she was on a cane, which she used most of her life. Over the years she suffered many falls and other health problems but she always went far beyond what the doctors expected her limits were. She always faced her problems head on, hair and nails done, dressed to the nines and smiling through pain, determined that things would get better. She will forever be a shining example to her family of what inner strength, faith and perseverance can get you through. I imagine that the cards are being shuffled and she is painting the heavens purple. We will carry her in our hearts until we are together again in Heaven.

The last few years she was in the care of Three Oaks Hospice of Austin. They lovingly took incredible care of mom, providing everything possible to meet her needs and to make her happy and comfortable. The family will forever be grateful for the love given our mother from Laurie(her devoted new friend), Kiersten, Tammi, Pastor Jeff, Jessica, Chad, Tresha, Megan, Erica and Dr. Welch. She was also loved and well cared for by Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness where she resided these past 7 months. We appreciate the excellent care and the compassionate attention that the aids, nurses and staff gave to her. Thank you, Beth, Austin, Kelly, Hannah, Kristen, Evetta, her roommate T, and more.

There will be a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to Three Oaks Hospice of Austin, 512-323-6500, [email protected] or the charity of your choice.