Claudine Carmichael Pletcher

Claudine was born the 2nd of February 1931 in Higgins, Texas to Claud and Alta Mae Carmichael. She grew up in Perryton, Texas where she attended Perryton High School and was a drum majorette. It was there that she met her future husband and love of her life, George Pletcher. They were married the 26th of December 1948. Their adventure in life together really began when they moved to South Bend, Indiana, where George attended undergraduate and law school at the University of Notre Dame. It became a place they loved and cherished, started their family and made many lifelong friends, including the Neathertons, Egans and Leanders. They moved to Houston after graduation where they raised their 8 children and remained until their deaths.

Claudine was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dan and her sister Jerry Newbauer, her husband of 71 years George, and her great grandson Eli Barrett.

She is survived by her children; Tony (Margaret), Nettie Kalogeras (Monty), Sissy Ronan (George), Tim (Gina), Lisa Bishop (Randy), Peter, Phil (Emelie), and Matt (Mary). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

Claudine was involved in and supported 12 step recovery programs and was also a published author. She loved everything equestrian. Asking nothing for herself, she gave her time, talent and expertise to the top echelon of that sport. Always lending an ear and being a wonderful supporter of all riders – she was everyone’s “Show Mom”. She will be sorely missed by the USEF, USHJA and the many organizations she dedicated herself to. She loved the beach, from Galveston to Hanalei Bay. Her fondest memories were vacations with her family at her Galveston beach house and in Hanalei, Kauai (where “Grandmother” became “Tutu” to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren).

Walks on the beach with her kids, grandkids, and friends collecting seashells, sharks’ teeth, and enjoying countless bonfires are memories we will all cherish. Claudine was also a great cook. She loved feeding family, relatives, and friends. Memories of the smell of her fried speckled trout, boiled shrimp, and gumbo will not be forgotten. Her recipes have been shared with many and will be enjoyed for years to come. Though she would not call herself an artist, architect or designer, she would do circles around many professionals. Claudine designed the layout and interiors of many homes and beach houses during her long life. She made beautiful shell lamps, candles, and mirrors that will be enjoyed and coveted for years to come.

The Pletcher family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Marlene Galdamez, Doris Schmidgall and Sheila Parker for their kind and selfless care and love for our mom/tutu/grandmother.

A celebration of Claudine’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 14th of October, in the chapel at Holy Name Retreat Center, 430 Bunker Hill Road in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Claudine’s name may be directed to the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, 430 Bunker Hill Rd, Houston, TX 77024.