MARIE CHAMBERS LODOWSKI
1948-2017
“Mimi” peacefully passed away on Christmas Eve surrounded by her family and was soon reunited with her precious daughter Elizabeth Anne Lodowski in heaven.
She was born July 13, 1948, to Marion Glasco and C. Fred Chambers and spent her early years in Midland, before moving to Houston, where she attended Duchesne Academy of The Sacred Heart. She later studied at Loyola University in New Orleans and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Mimi met her husband, Bob, during the summer of 1969 in Austin. They married in 1970 and soon had their first child in Dallas, before settling in Houston, where they grew their family. In 2014, they retired to their dream home in Fredericksburg. During their 47 years of marriage, they had four children, David, Matthew, Elizabeth and Sarah; and five beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Madeline, Aubrey, Benjamin and Frederick. Mimi served as a mother figure to many others, and nowhere was this more apparent than during her 20 years as a preschool teacher at River Oaks Baptist School.
She was an accomplished artist, always painting, crafting or creating. Her work was inspired by a sense of the divine in nature. She cultivated an appreciation for art within her children and grandchildren and encouraged young artists to explore their own creative potentials. She was an enthusiastic participant in the Fredericksburg Farmers Market and Transform, an after-school mentoring program; numerous Bible study and church groups; and the Briargrove Barracudas Swim Team, Texas Master Naturalists and the Episcopal High School community outreach programs.
Friendships were a cornerstone of Mimi’s life. She loved and connected with everyone, turning opportunities to serve into lifelong friendships. She remembered people’s names, prayed for their needs and brought them together with a spirit of inclusion. Her enthusiasm for a vibrant community was contagious. Mimi and Bob loved hosting dinners and holidays, welcoming everyone with open arms, hospitality, delicious food, Mexican Train dominoes and “Mimiritas.” Mimi maintained a “Prayer Warrior Wall,” a list of prayer requests and thanksgiving for everyone she met. Her faith and love for Jesus were steadfast. She depended on God’s strength to walk the road ahead of her. Through joys and hardships, she continued to trust Him.
“Happy Day” was one of Mimi’s signature sayings. She would often interject it into conversations as a punctuation or as a reminder to find joy always. Her “Happy Day” attitude permeated all of her relationships, bringing joy, laughter, kindness and encouragement wherever she went.
In memory of Mimi, please consider supporting The Brookwood Community, the Duchesne Academy of The Sacred Heart, Hill Country Memorial Hospice or River Oaks Baptist School.
A Celebration of Mimi’s life will be held on March 3, 2018 at Contigo Ranch in Fredericksburg at 3 p.m.
Happy Day!