Doreen Tischler

Doreen Van Doren Tischler, 67, of West Lake Hills passed away at her home on July 27, 2011. She was born on February 11, 1944 in El Paso, Texas to Donald Van Doren and Dorris Van Doren, both of whom preceded her in death.

Doreen is survived by her husband Lial, son Keith, daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Quentin and Katherine, brother Donald Van Doren of Mayhill, New Mexico, and sister Karen Hasslinger of Bainbridge, Washington. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and his wife, Tim and Elizabeth Tischler of Austin.

Doreen attended Zack White Elementary School in El Paso, El Paso High School, and graduated from Gadsden High School in Anthony, New Mexico in 1962. She participated in many class activities, was elected a class favorite, and received a scholarship offer from New Mexico Western College.

Doreen attended Texas Western College for two years and then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin following her wedding where in 1966 she received a B.S. in Education with a minor in mathematics. She taught second grade at Pease Elementary School and in 1968 moved to San Antonio and then El Paso when her husband was posted overseas. Keith was born in El Paso and the family subsequently moved to Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland before returning to Austin in 1970.

Doreen spent the next 18 years being the perfect mother and introducing her son to many varied interests and pursuits. These included fishing, raising chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits, flying model airplanes, art in many forms and a host of other activities. She actively participated in school activities from elementary school through high school and whenever parents were requested to assist, she was always available. She was particularly adept at developing artistic costumes and displays for school functions.

After Keith left for college, Doreen spent time helping her parents with various interests and tasks and pursued her artistic interests. Doreen also loved to travel and during her life visited locations throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East. Her favorite places were her home in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, Northern Idaho, and Southwestern Montana, which she visited several times in the past two years.

Doreen loved to make personally illustrated greeting and Christmas cards to send to friends and family. She did this for many years and the thought and work that went into these cards were appreciated by all who received them.

During the past decade she focused her artistic talents on writing and illustrating books for preschool children. She has six copyrighted books that have been printed and distributed to families and friends.

Doreen will be dearly missed by her family and friends. We will always remember her careful planning of family functions, complete with decorations and carefully selected menus. Her motto was to always do her best at whatever she tried and she never fell short in her efforts to accomplish this goal.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock in the evening until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 1st of August, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Interment will be at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 5th of August at Memory Gardens of the Valley in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759.

Condolences may be made to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com