Kathleen Braden Eichelberger

KATHLEEN BRADEN EICHELBERGER peacefully passed away Saturday, July 6, 2013, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her family. A lifelong resident of Houston, Kathleen was born in 1920 and was valedictorian of the 1937 Class of St. Agnes Academy. In 1941, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice Institute and a Master's Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of St. Thomas in 1994. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, the University of St. Thomas Chapel Guild, the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Institute of Architects and the Charity Guild of Catholic Women.

Kathleen married a young architect, Dean A. Eichelberger in 1947 and they had four children all of whom reside in the Houston area. She was preceded in death by her husband as well as her brothers, Albert H. Braden, Jr. M.D., and Joseph C. Braden, sister-in law Mary Lou Braden and daughter-in-law Patricia Eichelberger. Kathleen is survived by her children; Dean A. Eichelberger, Jr., Peter B. Eichelberger and daughter-in-law Debby, son John F. Eichelberger, M.D. and daughter-in-law Elaine and daughter Ann E. Bennett; grandchildren Trish Eichelberger, Katy Franz and husband Cameron, Laurie Leiva and husband Mike, Karen Johnson, Amy Eichelberger and fiancé Pedro DeLeon, Beth Eichelberger, Jack Eichelberger, Katie Eichelberger, Nick Duble, Caroline Duble, Lizzie Duble, Austin Bennett and Matthew Bennett and fiancée Lori Coats; as well as great-grandchildren Gates and Gray Franz, Olivia and Peter Leiva, Braden and Hunter Johnson. She is also survived by her brothers, the Reverend Patrick O. Braden, C.S.B. and David J. Braden, M.D. and wife Jane, sister-in-law Hermine H. Braden; and close family friend Fran W. Foland.

Kathleen was devoted to her family, to the Catholic Church, and to living a life filled with gratitude for her many blessings. She was an example of faith and wisdom; a loving and involved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; and a presence that will be missed every day.

A Rosary Service will be held at 4 pm, Sunday, July 14, 2013 at Earthman’s Hunters Creek, Chapel, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. visitation to follow. The Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Patrick O. Braden, C.S.B. at the Chapel of Saint Basil located on the University of St. Thomas campus beginning at 10:30 am on Monday, July 15, 2013. A reception is planned after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Kathleen’s memory may be made to the Braden Scholarship Fund, c/o the University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd. 77006 or to St. Agnes Academy, 9000 Bellaire Blvd. 77036.