Individual Details

Death

Marion Donaldson Furr, born May 24, 1928 in McGregor, Texas died peacefully on January 21, 2009 in Lakeway, Texas with her daughter by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents Girtrue and Park Donaldson, her brother Morris Parker Donaldson, and her son Steven William Furr. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Furr Lea and husband Joe Lea; grandchildren, Amanda Lea and Joanna Lea, all of Austin, and Jane Lea Haas and husband Jeff Haas of Houston. She is also survived by grandchildren, Stephanie Furr Barr and husband Jason Barr, Kelly Furr Black and husband Jason Black, all of Austin, Brett Furr of San Marcus and Natalie Furr of Aberdeen, New Jersey, and by two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Marion was a beautiful young girl, full of life, who grew up in McGregor, Texas and attended Texas Tech University. Her freshmen year, she met Don Furr, and after a three year courtship they married and began to raise a family. Don was later to become one of the founders of Furr's Cafeterias, and while Marion was mostly busy with her two children, she did claim creation of many of the original recipes used. Now we will never know for sure! While in Lubbock, Marion was active in Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae, Junior League of Lubbock, Daughters of American Revolution, and Lubbock Symphony Guild. She and Don opened their home to raise funds for many charitable organizations and were supportive benefactors of Texas Tech University. Marion was smart, generous, gregarious, a wonderful decorator and a real character. Feisty and confident, Marion loved people and had a definite flair for the dramatic. In 1975, after her children graduated from college, she moved to Dallas alone to start a new life. There Marion developed many wonderful friendships and was able to spend much of her time playing duplicate bridge, often in tournaments with some of the best players in the world. In 1978 she was awarded Life Master by the American Contract Bridge League, a real feather in the cap of duplicate bridge players. She loved to travel, entertain, and above all, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. In failing health, Marion moved to Austin in 1999 to be near family. Heartfelt thanks are extended to her special caregivers and to Brighton Gardens of Austin. Finally, words cannot express the gratitude to her last family at Vista Oaks of Lakeway Assisted Living and to Odyssey Hospice for gentle care in the very end. May your journey be peaceful, Mother. Give Steve a hug. Our love will always be with you. Family graveside services will he held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26th at McGregor Cemetery. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Home, 1-254-840-2880, McGregor. If desired, donations may be sent to Caritas of Austin, P.O. Box 1947, Austin, Texas 78767 or to a charity of choice.
Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 1/25/2009