Katherine Steinmayer McLean

Kathy McLean, 94, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on the 11th of September 11 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She spent the last years of her life at The Buckingham community, where she made many special and lasting friendships.

Kathy was born on the 27th of October 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Reinhard August and Dorothy Gibbs Steinmayer. She attended Louise S. Magee School and Newcomb College of Tulane University, where she met the love of her life, John Michael “Mike” McLean on a blind date. They married and built a loving family together until Mike’s passing in 1990. She is survived by her sister, Nadyne Steinmayer Manson of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Kathy was a woman of grace, warmth, and generosity. She was a 50-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Alexander Love Chapter, a 75-year member of Pi Beta Phi, a member of the Watercolor Society of Houston and the Ima Hogg Ceramics Circle. One of her greatest gifts was to allow others to have the outstanding education she experienced at Tulane University, where she established the Katherine Steinmayer McLean Visiting Studio Artist Endowed Fund. She especially loved the spiritual community at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Houston, where she generously gave her time and talents.

Above all, Kathy cherished her family. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother to her son, John Michael McLean Jr., and her daughter, Kelley McLean Bennett. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with them.

Kathy will be remembered for her gracious spirit, her generosity, her love of family, and the warmth she shared with those around her. She touched many lives through her friendships, faith, and service, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son, John Michael McLean Jr., and his wife, Kathy L. McLean; her daughter, Kelley McLean Bennett, and her husband, Edmund R. Bennett; her grandchildren, Ashley McLean Moore, John Michael “Michael” McLean III, Amanda Katherine Bennett, Kimberly Adams Bennett; and her four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Kathy’s life is to be conducted at half past one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 3rd of October at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Road in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider contributions to the Heart Exchange in Houston, Special Pals, St. Francis Episcopal Church by visiting the links below under "Donations", or a charity of your choice.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.