Eugenia Worley Schoch

Eugenia Worley Schoch passed away one month shy of her 101st birthday, leaving 65+ years of unprecedented community service and friendship to others. The quote above is evocative of Eugenia in more ways than one. She was a music lover of everything from classical to pop, and believed in lifelong learning. She and her late husband, Eugene, enjoyed season tickets to the Austin Symphony and to the Austin Lyric Opera. In her late 70’s, Eugenia bought an organ, and hired a teacher to give her lessons. She became quite proficient. Music was often on Eugenia’s mind, and later she delighted in giving concerts at her home. On family driving trips, Eugenia often brought song sheets so that everyone could sing such hits as, “Ain’t She Sweet”, “This Little Light of Mine”, “Five Foot Two”, and “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin, during her favorite holiday. She relished many of the old religious hymns, as well. Members of the younger generation thought this to be quite funny and corny at the time, but they participated and remember it fondly to this day.

Born in Auburn, Alabama in 1921 to Jessie B. and Gordon Worley, a homemaker and educator, Eugenia adored her brother and four sisters. The Worley family moved to Austin in 1933, when her father accepted a leadership position at the Texas Education Agency. The large family settled on East 47th Street on 8 acres, not yet designated within the City of Austin. Their mom had a beautiful garden full of sweet peas, turnip greens, okra, corn and a plethora of gorgeous flowers. In addition, her father kept a huge chicken coop, providing chicken for Sunday lunches which became a longstanding family tradition. The children were always expected to work hard, show a high standard of respect, and to dedicate themselves to their studies. They were also encouraged to help others.

Eugenia was to live the longest of her parents and siblings, and she missed them terribly over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Willie D and husband, Dr. Richard Bowles; Dr. Gordon Worley, Jr. and wife, Jane; Kathleen and her husband, Reverend Charles Workman; Louise and husband, Doughty Miller; and Frances and husband, Cecil Winter. The Worley family was devoted and industrious, qualities which transferred to their own families. The continued family reunions held at the Schoch Lake House are evidence of her deep love and commitment to family. Eugenia derived much pleasure from the Worley and Schoch siblings and cousins, their children and grandchildren, as well. The family gratefully appreciates their love and support.

To fill in more history, Eugenia and her dear friend, Liz Carpenter decided to move to Washington, D.C., after graduation, to see the big wide world. Liz started in communications, of course, while Eugenia worked in a government lab in zoology. Word has it that their apartment was always full of hijinks and hilarity. Yet, Eugenia had a secret beau in Austin, having met him when dissecting a frog in Zoology class at UT. Serendipitously, his name was Eugene. This had to have been a sign? Thus, Eugenia packed up, moved back to Austin to marry Eugene, an aspiring dermatologist, on May 12, 1944 at University Methodist Church. The duo was married for 71 years, with Eugene passing in 2015. Their loving son, Gary Wayne Schoch, preceded his mother in death in September, 2021.

Eugenia is survived by her beloved son, Dr. Eugene P. Schoch III, and wife, Dianne Dies Schoch; granddaughter, Sharon and husband, Dr. Charles Jason Hubbard, and their children; Charles Jason Hubbard, Jr., Henry Schoch Hubbard, and Charlotte Elizabeth Hubbard, and granddaughter, Stephanie Dies Schoch. “Oma” (German for grandmother) loved her regular visits from Sharon and her beloved great grandchildren, who played card games with her, and enjoyed arts and crafts together. They went to the nth degree to spend time with her. Both of her granddaughters, in addition to her three great grandchildren, brought Oma continual joy. All are deeply grateful to Stephanie, who served as her grandmother’s extraordinary caregiver during Oma’s last years.

Eugenia was always an excellent student, as well as a fantastic athlete, first at University Junior High, later at Austin High School, where she was a Red Jacket officer, among other leadership positions. She attended The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in zoology, joining the sorority, Alpha Phi. Voted Best Pledge in her sorority, she went on to become a national officer as Director of Alumnae. While at UT, Eugenia was Vice-President of the UT Sports Association, and a founder and leader of Touche, the fencing club still in existence at UT.

After working as a lab assistant to help Eugene through medical school and residency, Eugenia and Eugene moved back to Austin. As a young mother with two boys, she became very involved with the Travis County Medical Auxiliary, now known as the Travis County Medical Alliance. Eugenia provided an impetus for its growth and compassionate spirit in fulfilling its mission of philanthropic service. As President of the State of Texas Medical Alliance, Eugenia spent copious amounts of time traveling around the state. She innovatively planned and designed health career clubs and workshops in schools, which became the forerunner of the annual “Health Fest”. Because of her generous contribution of time and effort on projects around the state, Eugenia was chosen as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging.

Eugenia was always very proud of her husband’s father, Dr. Eugene P. Schoch, Sr., who founded the UT Austin Department of Chemical Engineering and The Longhorn Band. He bought their instruments and marched with them, playing the clarinet. For all of her years as a Schoch, Eugenia entertained The Longhorn Band members and leaders, both at their Lake house and at their home on Nueces Street. She was happy to fundraise and assist them in any way possible. She and Eugene funded an endowed scholarship for the Longhorn Band at UT. They feted the designee of the scholarship every year, as well.

In Eugenia’s opinion, “people could be divided into three groups: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.” She was most definitely a member and ringleader of the first group, always finding ways to assist others, whether it was through her work in appointed non-profits, or taking a close friend to all of her chemo treatments. She was an indispensable mother to her two sons, and a wife who cooked three meals a day. She often assisted her husband, if needed, in his medical office. Later, Oma (German for grandmother) was a mentor to her two granddaughters. Sharon and Stephanie loved nothing better than to spend the night at the Lake with their grandparents, playing cards and games, watching movies with them, and reading books. Her daughter-in-law and son always felt that their girls were completely safe and loved with Oma and Opa. Eugenia was also on hand to assist with carpool duty, keeping the names and addresses of the other children in the glove compartment of her car.

Eugenia joined the Junior League of Austin in 1954. She served as Assistant of the Thrift Shop, Assistant Provisional Chair, and was a standout in Children’s Theatre, performing in schools. She also volunteered at the Austin Public Library. In her older years, Eugenia was asked to be a sustaining advisor many times in the Junior League, as well as a member of the future planning committee. One would never hear Eugenia say, “This is not in my job description.” If she ever wore a pair of white gloves, it was to a party or church. She happily got her hands dirty. Eugenia set the ultimate example of hard work that others wanted to emulate. In 1997, Eugenia was designated as the “Volunteer Extraordinaire” of the Junior League. What is the meaning of the award? As delineated in the dictionary, it is “an unpaid worker, missionary, helper of unforced giving, who is exceptional, uncommon, inconceivable, amazing, remarkable, scarce and rare.” This perfectly describes Eugenia.

In addition, Eugenia was a longstanding member of the Settlement Home, (since 1961). She chaired many committees, as well as serving on the Board of the Settlement Home. She continued to serve as Food and Beverage Co-Chair with her sister, Louise, for 11 years, well into her 80’s.

One of Eugenia’s most rewarding efforts was in serving a three year term on the Austin Historic Landmark Commission, taking part in important decisions, which have resulted in the preservation of many wonderful landmarks in our City. Her interest in this area began when she spent two years doing extensive research, restoration and preservation of the 100 year old Gerhard Schoch Home, which belonged to the Schoch family. The project she initiated ultimately received a Texas Historical marker in 1974. The Heritage Society of Austin presented this preservation award to Eugenia and Eugene for this distinguished endeavor.

After this experience, people began to turn to Eugenia for help and advice in all sorts of historical projects. In 1983, the congregation of a small Baptist church in Upton, Texas, wanted to restore their building, hoping to have it designated as historic. It was called “The Young’s Schoolhouse and Cemetery”. But no one knew how to go about doing this. It was their lucky day when they were finally referred to Eugenia, who quickly realized their desperation and need. Eugenia spent a year of her life traveling back and forth to Upton, interviewing all of the surviving members of the Young family, congregation members, while also researching land ownership, and completing a sea of paperwork that is required by the State. “The Young’s Schoolhouse and Cemetery” was designated historic the following year. Eugenia then took the lead in an effort to preserve the Cole Clark House in her neighborhood.

During the earliest days of “Meals on Wheels”, Eugenia served as a cook and deliverer of meals for at least 7 years. She also became a Docent for the Governor’s Mansion, serving on that executive board and nominating committee. She was often requested as a docent for special functions, because of her vast knowledge and engaging personality. She had a love of history, and delighted in her shared experience in this venture.

Eugenia and her sister, Louise, tutored children at Zavala Elementary School for several years. This was her most memorable volunteer experience, as she spoke of a little boy named Joe, whose other tutor had died the previous day. Eugenia asked him to draw a picture to send to the nursing home residents and the tutor’s family. In her words, “Tears were in his eyes as he drew a cross with a climbing rose with leaves from the center, with petals at the top.” She discovered his sensitive nature on the first day, as well as his artistic talent. Eugenia continued to tutor this little boy for several years.

Eugenia was a devoted member of the University United Methodist Church, where she was beloved. She served on every important committee, usually as chair, in addition to teaching Sunday school for quite a few years, and later, working one day a week in their business office.

During her many years of service to others, Eugenia kept her family as her number one priority. She served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, President of the PTA (more than once), and planned a PTA Convention in Austin. She was very involved in her boys’ schooling and activities. In addition, Eugenia was a caretaker to her mother, who resided next door for many year and lived to be 102. Eugenia has always been there to aid her family members in any way she could.

Family life for the Schoch’s included weekends on their Lake Austin property, purchased in the 1950’s. Because there was only a boat dock, Eugenia, Eugene, Gene and Gary camped out on that dock for 7 years, until Eugenia finally told her husband that she needed a house. “Schoch’s Shack”, a cozy cottage, was completed, and the family often entertained their many siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, members of the Longhorn Band, and many other organizations. Eugenia’s motto was, “Mi Casa Es Su Casa”, and both Eugene and Eugenia demonstrated this welcoming for over 50+ years. Now the lake house has been handed down to the younger generation, but the gatherings continue.

Eugenia Worley Schoch has been described as the ultimate giver, yet in the quote, “The song ended, but the memory lingers on.”, it is Eugenia’s joyous personality which has touched and captivated those of us who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was uproariously funny, intelligent, yet humble, and her genuine kindness and propensity to give are very much like a favorite melody that will always be remembered.