"Toby, DiAnna, & Jennifer - I just learned that Karen died last fall. I am so sorry. It goes without saying that your parents were amazing people - the generations of people they touched through their work and kindness will continue well into the future. And they were dear to me - loving, kind - and I will forever be grateful to them, and you, for opening their home and your family to me. I hope she had a peaceful passing and that she and Jim are together again, surrounded by all of the animals and people they loved over the years. You all are in my heart and I am sorry I am so delayed in sending my condolences. Love, Becca"
In loving memory of
Karen Angela McGill
October 29, 1937 - October 21, 2006
Karen Angela Niebuhr McGill, 68, of Austin and Lake City, CO, died 10/21/06 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Gonzales, Karen moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and remained in Austin thereafter. Karen considered her family her most important accomplishment. Yet she left tangible marks, as well, in her community. She was instrumental in setting standards for school health and co-wrote the first state-wide school health policies and procedures manual for Texas public schools. Her life-long focus on wellness/preventive care led her to develop the Teen Teaching program at Eanes ISD, which continues to set the standard. She was involved in the development of Project Graduation at Westlake High School. In Lake City, she promoted the arts and worked to provide improvements in the community. Through her passions for teaching and the welfare of others, she touched many lives. She is survived by her children, DiAnna and Tobin, her granddaughter, Jennifer Rooker, and her sister, Gretchen Claiborne, all of Austin. She is predeceased by her husband, Jim McGill, and parents, Harold and Ida Mae Niebuhr. The family will honor her wish for cremation. A life celebration is planned for November 18th, 1-4 pm, at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park, 614 Commons Ford Road, Austin. Guest book and obituary available online at harrellfuneralhomes.com 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX 78745 512-443-1366
Tributes
"Toby and DiAnna, I was very sad to hear that Karen had passed away. She was a very important part of Westlake and I have good memories of her. Take care and your both are in my thoughts. Best regards, Teresia"
"DiAnna,Tobin and family. To hear of Karen's death was sad. I so appreciated her work not only with my children, but with the student body. Please know you are each in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Colleen Mehner"
"All my love goes out to her family. Mrs. McGill was the sweetest and most caring of people. I went through kindergarden and graduated WHS in 75 and she was always someone who would be there for you. God bless you Karen McGill!!!"
"Toby and DiAnna, Your mom meant so much to me and my family. I still remember going to the nurses office at Eanes Elementary and always feeling better seeing your mom's warm smile. She was a great friend and co-worker to my mother Joann Rogers. Please know my thoughts and prayers have been with you throughout your mom's illness and passing. God Bless, Beverly Rogers Conner"
"DiAnna and Toby, I also heard of the news of the passing of your mom at the 25th reunion last night.I knew your Mom not only through school but also as the Mother of my friend for many years, Toby. She was a very special lady and impacted my life not only through her integrity but also with the values that she instilled and passed on in Toby which also influenced me. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the loss your Mom and May the Lord be with you. Jeff Schnelle"
"Karen acted like a mother to me after my mom's death when I was 13 years old. As I went through school, she was a confidant and friend to me. I was blessed by her care and love to those she served at school and outside of the school."
"Although I graduated from high school with her son Toby, I had a special bond with both his parents and thought they were two wonderful people. Because of our 25th reunion I am hearing of his loss. I am reqretfully sorry and wish I had stayed in touch over all these years. Karen Mrs. McGill then was my nurse throughout school and was a tremendously patient and kind being with an extreme amount of love for others. You could have also given her the title of counselor. Once I graduated and taught Specail Education in Eanes, I dealt with Karen on a professional level and she became even more wonderful to me. There will always be a place in my heart for her. I will let others know of her passing."
"Mr. & Mrs. McGill were amazing - thoughtful, insightful, inspiring, smart and funny. To this day - some 20 years later - I remember jokes and comments they made that still make me smile. I am so grateful to have known them and learned from them at Hill Country and Westlake. Their memories and inspiration are very much alive."
"Wise, caring, warm, happy, insightful, dedicated, smart...all words that come to mind when I think of Karen McGill. But you know, words can't really capture the impact she had on me and on everyone she came in contact with. Karen was grounded and spiritual, creative and committed, with an incredible enthusiasm for life! She possessed one of the highest levels of integrity I have ever known and I will miss her dearly. My love to all the family, Loyce Bates-Dettman"
"Dear McGill Family, I am sorry to hear of the death of your loved one. I hope this letter find you doing as well as can be expected! Have you ever wondered, is there a remedy for death? If so, what hope is there for the dead? Will we ever see our loved ones again? The Bible tells us that we can! Jesus Christ himself said, "Your brother will rise." Martha said to him: "I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day." Jesu said to her: "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all." John 11:23-26 And Psalms 37:29, say's that, "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." So we can see our dead loved one again in the near future right here on earth under peaceful righteous conditions. What a time that will be! I hope this letter has helped you some to cope. Christian Love C. Marks, Sr"
"Dear DiAnna, I am sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I learned so much from her...things I still use today. Being one of her Student Action Peer Counselors has been a lifelong blessing. Sincerely, Jeannette"
"Dear Toby, I am so saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. She was an amazing woman who taught me a lot about integrity and following your own star. I know she was a big reason why I became a teacher. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Stephanie Webber Perry"
"I was so sorry to hear about your mother. All of you are in my prayers. My mother was very fond of your grandmother, mother and aunt."
"DIANNA AND TOBY--MY, WE GO BACK A LONG WAY, FROM DIANNA AND BECKY AT MISS ANDY'S DAYCARE TO OUR GREAT TIMES AT WESTLAKE AND OTHER TIMES WE WERE TOGETHER. WE ARE SADDEN BY YOUR LOSS. YOUR MOM AND DAD WERE BOTH WONDERFUL PEOPLE. GOD BLESS."
"I was so sorry to read about Karen. I was always so fond of your family. I knew she was sick and have been thinking of ya'll. I have lost almost everyone in my family to cancer - it is a terrible disease. Mu daughter,42, was one of the lucky ones and survived. I will be thinking of all of you. Love, Jerry"
"I want to first say that Mr. & Mrs. McGill were the two teachers that influenced me the most at Westlake. They both have had a huge impact on my life. I actually think of them often. I will never forget my many trips to Pedernales. One more thing...thinking back to your parents...I remember seeing them together on many occasions and I could always see the love they had for each other. It is comforting to know that they are together again. My prayers are with you. Julie Richardson-Hodges"