With profound love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Mitzi Irene Nuhn Dreher announces her passing on June 16, 2026 at the age of 94. Born in New Braunfels, Texas, Mitzi lived a life defined by compassion, service, and devotion to family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, educator, and mentor whose influence reached far beyond those closest to her.
A proud graduate of New Braunfels High School, Class of 1949, Mitzi earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1954 and her Master of Science in Nursing in 1958. Her distinguished career in nursing education began at the UTMB School of Nursing, where she taught from 1955 to 1961. In 1961, Mitzi joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, where she would spend the next thirty years shaping the lives and careers of future nurses. She served in a variety of academic and leadership roles and was appointed Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs in 1974, a position she held until her retirement in 1991. Dedicated to both education and public health, she also participated in administering some of the first polio vaccines to members of the San Antonio community in 1954. Throughout her career, she was recognized for her excellence in teaching, mentorship, and service, receiving numerous honors, including scholarships established in her name.
Mitzi was a devoted mother to her triplet daughters (initially quadruplets) and found endless happiness in supporting her children, and grandchildren. Whether attending school programs, sporting events, band performances, or Girl Scout activities, she was a constant source of encouragement and love. She enjoyed gardening and once remarked that she might have become a florist had nursing not captured her heart. She also loved reading biographies and was an enthusiastic supporter of all things Longhorn, especially football and women’s basketball.
Mitzi is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loyd, and her daughter, Diana. She is survived by her daughters, Beverly, Linda and Joan; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her sister, Judy; and many extended family members, friends, former students, and colleagues who were blessed by her kindness and guidance.
Those who knew Mitzi will remember her gentle spirit, unwavering generosity, quiet strength, and genuine interest in others. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel valued and cared for, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched as a mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, and friend.
A funeral service will be held at First Protestant Church of New Braunfels, 172 W. Coll St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, where family and friends will gather to celebrate Mitzi’s life, give thanks for her many blessings, and bid her a loving farewell on July 10th, 2026 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. A graveside service will take place immediately after the reception at Comal County Cemetery, 301 Peace Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Mitzi’s family finds comfort in the enduring impact of her life and in the memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
• The Mitzi I. Nuhn Dreher Endowed Presidential Scholarship, University of Texas at Austin
• The Mitzi Dreher Scholarship in Nursing, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Scholarship Donation Instructions
Mitzi I. Nuhn Dreher Endowed Presidential Scholarship
1. Check by mail:
• The check can be made out to: UT Austin School of Nursing
• In the memo section, please indicate the: Dreher EPS
• The check can be mailed to the following address.
Sergio Delgado
Chief Development Officer
UT Austin School of Nursing
1710 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78712
2. Online donation
https://give.utexas.edu/campaigns/59328/donations/new?designation_id=OGPDREHER
Confirm Designation says Mitzi I. Nuhn Dreher Endowed Presidential Scholarship.
If designation is incorrect, on “Designation” drop down menu choose “School of Nursing (NURS)”, then on Nursing drop down choose Mitzi I. Nuhn Dreher Endowed Presidential Scholarship.
Mitzi N. Dreher Scholarship in Nursing
1. Contact the UTMB Development Office at 409-772-5136 to give by credit card
2. Check by mail:
• The check can be made out to “UTMB Health”.
• In the memo section, please indicate the Mitzi Dreher SON Scholarship
• The check can be mailed to the following address.
UTMB Development Office
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0148
