Delores Villarrubia Dufour

Delores Helen Villarrubia Dufour ("Dee") was born January 19, 1930 to Edgar Charles Villarrubia and Viola Flick Villarrubia in New Orleans, Louisiana, and passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, at the age of 95.

She was preceded in death by her second child, Courtney Dufour Foster; her parents; brothers Edgar Villarrubia and Leo Villarrubia; and sisters Gloria Villarrubia, Irma Villarrubia Henderson, and Rosemary Villarrubia Ernest.

Dee is survived by her beloved husband of 74+ years, Elmore Generes Dufour ("Doots", whom she met at the tender age of 12); her son William C. Dufour, II, and his wife Vera; her youngest daughter Kimberly D. Gardner, and her husband Derry. She was a cherished grandmother to five grandchildren: Kristin Dufour Hill and her husband Austin, Kyle William Dufour and his wife Emily, Kevin Alexander Dufour and his wife Ashley, Victoria Foster Gray and her husband Alex, and Douglas Charles Foster, IV.

Her legacy continues through six great-grandchildren: Lily Hill, Alexandra Hill, Elizabeth Dufour, Elias Dufour, Dakota Dufour, and Duncan Dufour. Dee was also deeply devoted to her surviving nieces and nephew: Sandy Funkey, Cyndy Scott, Julie Shepard, Malou Craven, Kathy Burge, Dave Ernest, Bonnie Alonzo, and Lynda Matthews.

Dee became an "army wife" the day she married Doots, embarking on a life that would test her resilience and strength at every turn. Over Doots' 21-year military career, she gracefully managed countless relocations that took the family to Germany (twice), Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia (twice), and countless bases in between. Through each move, Dee created warm, welcoming homes while raising her children and maintaining the family's stability during deployments and separations.

As the consummate army wife, Dee mastered the art of entertaining – a skill that became both a necessity and a joy. Whether hosting fellow military families or organizing community gatherings, she had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel at home, no matter which base they called home at the moment.

When Doots retired from the Army in 1972, Dee and the family settled in Austin, Texas, where she finally put down permanent roots. Austin became her true home, and she embraced the community with the same warmth and dedication she had shown throughout their military journey.

Dee and Doots were devoted Catholics – Doots having converted before their marriage – and became longtime, active parishioners of St. Theresa's Catholic Church. Beyond her faith community, Dee channeled her generous spirit into numerous organizations, including The Assistance League, Save the Children, Meals on Wheels, and the Symphony League. She and Doots were faithful supporters of the Austin Symphony for many years, reflecting their shared appreciation for music and the arts. Both Dee and Doots were longtime members of the Austin Club, where they loved to celebrate important family occasions – and enjoy the Seafood Buffet and Old Fashions. Dee’s primary hobby was “shopping”! Shopping was her therapy, especially after all of her children were gone, and all she had to do was devote herself to Doots. Dee’s entire family was important to her – she was always planning the next get together with either her children or extended family – never missed a birthday, anniversary, or a holiday – hosting Thanksgiving for the entire family up until a few years ago. And then there were those annual Port Aransas trips!

Throughout her 95 years, Dee exemplified the strength, adaptability, and grace required of military families. Her ability to create stability and joy in the midst of constant change was a gift to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her warm hospitality, her unwavering devotion to family, and the love that made every house a home.

A Rosary and Visitation will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Cook Walden Funeral Home located at 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78752. A funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, located at 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas, 78731 (512-451-5121), with a reception following at the church. Dee will be buried at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78209 on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

Pallbearers are Kyle Dufour, Kevin Dufour, Austin Hill, Douglas Foster, Derry Gardner, and John Chelkowski.

In loving memory of Dee Dufour, donations can be mailed to the Blessed Sacrament Convent at 4105 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, Tx 78411.