Eugenia Birge

Eugenia was born on July 5, 1925 in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil to Francisco Ananias Barros and Olímpia Wanderley Barros.

At a young age she went to live with her sister Noémia, who was twenty years older, and her husband Joao Davino. Eugenia was already an aunt when she was born and grew up with her niece and nephews, as if they were siblings, in Maceio Brazil. In 1950, at the age of 24, Eugenia met the love of her life George James Birge, a tall handsome Texan working in Brazil for United Geophysical. They were married two years later on Christmas Eve,1951.

Shortly thereafter, George was transferred back to the United States and their son George, was born in 1952 in California. In 1953 they were transferred back to Brazil and daughter Andrea was born in 1955 in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. They then moved to Salvador, Bahia, where they lived for several years.

In 1966 they returned to the United States. George had attended The University of Texas graduating in 1948, being very fond of Austin it became their home. Eugenia took her responsibility as a wife, mother and homemaker very seriously and with a lot of pride, even without mastering the English language, this never slowed her down. She was always eager to help and be involved with the Portuguese speaking community in Austin. Although a devout Catholic she attended social events at Hyde Park Christian Church, for the Friendship and Fellowship program for International Women. She quickly made several friends from the international and Portuguese community of the University of Texas and was involved with helping in the Portuguese department at UT. Eugenia was very proud to be responsible for starting the Brazilian carnival celebrations in Austin.

Eugenia loved to entertain, having family and friends gather at her celebrations whether at home, at the lake or in Brazil.

Her birthday was on July 5th, however she always celebrated on July 4th claiming she was proud to be an American, moving her celebrations thereafter to the fourth. She celebrated her 100th birthday on July 4th of 2025 with family and friends present from all over the US and Brazil.

Eugenia is survived by her son George W.Birge (Margarida); her daughter Andrea Birge Donaldson (Rob); her grandchildren George Christopher Birge (Kara), Sean Donaldson and Katie Birge and two great grandsons, George James and Luke Randall Birge as well as numerous nieces and nephews both in the United States and Brazil. Eugenia was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and her beloved husband.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on April 7th at 10 am with the rosary at 9:30 am at Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church, 4311 Small Dr. in Austin, Texas. The family will have visitation at Weed -Corley-Fish 5416 Parkcrest Dr. in Austin on April 6th from 4-7pm.

A private Burial will follow at a later date in Sherman Texas. If desired in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a Charity of your choice.