Esther Halm Mallory

Mrs. Philip Wallace Mallory died peacefully at home on June 22nd, 2006 at the age of 93. The world has lost a lovely and gentle lady who epitomized the meaning of unconditional love, a woman whose beauty, graciousness, encouragement, and humor graced our lives like no other. Affectionately known as Oma to three generations of family, she loved us, supported us, encouraged us, and gently pushed us to become better people than we would have been without her. Her wisdom and inner strength, her strong faith and generosity, and her patience and kindness have left an indelible mark on all those whose lives she touched. We are truly thankful for all the years we were blessed to have her in our lives, for above all, she loved spending time with her family. While we will miss her greatly, we celebrate that she is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mrs. Mallory was born Esther Marie Halm on February 26, 1913, in Seguin, Texas, to Emil and Erna Halm. The family then moved to San Antonio where she attended the public schools, graduating from Main Avenue High School. She entered the University of Texas, joined Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, and graduated in 1933 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition. She was employed as a dietitian at King’s Daughters Hospital in Temple. She later met Philip Wallace Mallory during his time as a resident at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. On May 21st, 1935, she was married to Dr. Mallory at Grace Lutheran Church in San Antonio. The couple moved to Sanderson, Texas, where Dr. Mallory set up his medical practice. In 1937, Dr. Mallory entered the U. S. Army Medical Corps, and, after his service in WWII, Mrs. Mallory moved with him to various Army posts around the world, including the United States, Germany, and South America. She was known for her gracious hospitality, often entertaining presidents, royalty, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, for her skill in making each home a beautiful and welcoming place, and for supporting her husband in his work. Upon his retirement in July 1969, Major General and Mrs. Mallory moved to Austin, Texas, where she was active in the University United Methodist Church (Fellowship Forum Class), Chapter AZ of PEO, The Tuesday Book Review Club, the Austin Woman’s Club, Ro-Anns, and the Retired Officers’ Wives Club. In 1991, they moved to the Summit at Westlake Hills where they enjoyed meeting new friends, participating in the many activities offered, and continuing their travels around the world. Mrs. Mallory was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Major General Philip Wallace Mallory, her parents, Emil and Erna Halm, her two sisters, Margaret Gregory and Elizabeth Ware, and an infant daughter, Esther Jean. She is survived by two sons, Major General Philip H. Mallory and his wife Sharon, Mr. Charles W. Mallory and his wife Elizabeth, all of Round Rock, five grandchildren, Paige Douthit and husband Robert, of Bethesda, Janet Mountain and husband Rocky, of Austin, Philip F. Mallory and wife Ruth, of Round Rock, Esther Leach and husband Derrick, of Austin, and Scott Mallory, of Round Rock. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren, Mallory, John, Jacob, and Madeleine Douthit, Carolina, Jackson, and Bryce Mountain, and Rebecca and Benjamin Mallory. Additionally, Mrs. Mallory is survived by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Lorraine Mallory Hurst of Houston, as well as a large, extended family, and many friends. Special thanks go to her caregivers, especially Fay Satterwhite, Delores Robinson, Linda Byrd, Ramona D. Davis, Vera Penson, Jewel Crenshaw-Moore, and Rochelle Davis-Moore. The family is also grateful for the outstanding assistance provided by Hospice Austin and especially for the loving care given by her nurses, Alice Jefferson, Becky Umiker, and Lisa Mais. Mrs. Mallory’s family will be receiving visitors at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., on Sunday, July 2nd, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Monday, July 3rd, also at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park. The family requests that memorials be directed to the Wallace Mallory Clinic at El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission, 7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin, TX 78745. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com