Virginia McFarlane Kolter

McFarlane, was born on February 4, 1939 and, surrounded by her loving family, died of pancreatic

cancer on August 25, 2019, in Houston, Texas. She spent her early childhood in Brownwood, Texas

and at age 10 moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She attended North Phoenix High School where she was a

cheerleader and one of the founding members of Quibona, a girls' organization that has reunions to

this day. She graduated with honors in 1956 and then attended the University of Texas in Austin,

becoming a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduating in 1960 with a BA degree in

elementary education. She moved to Houston to teach 6 th grade and in 1961 married Charles Kolter,

with whom she had three children. Continuing her education, she received a Masters of Education and

Counseling and a Masters of Social Work. For a short time she was a realtor and then, after becoming

a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she practiced family

therapy for many years until a stroke in January 2019 forced her to retire. She loved her patients and

always said she would have gone to medical school if her traditionalist (for the time) physician father

had allowed it.

Gregarious, outgoing, exuberant and inclusive, Virginia had many friends and loved to socialize. She

belonged to several dance clubs and was a Board member of LTG, a group for single professional

women over 50. Believing in the importance of giving back to the community, she was an active

member of Junior Forum. Always maintaining a positive attitude, Virginia overcame multiple adverse

events during her life and continued to go out to plays, movies and restaurants with friends until her

last days.

Virginia was predeceased by her parents; an infant sister, Helen Virginia McFarlane; and her son

Robert Kolter. She is survived by her daughter Katherine (and Wade) Watson; son Mark Kolter; three

grandchildren, Chase and Tyler Watson and Wesly Kolter; two brothers, Joe (and Jane) McFarlane and

John (and Suzanne) McFarlane; one sister, Mary Helen (and Diane) McFarlane; several lively nieces

and nephews; and many loving friends. Truly one of a kind, she will be mightily missed.

Memorial services will be held at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Saturday, August 31, 2019, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Junior Forum, Dress for Success, American

Cancer Society, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, or the charity of your choice.