Linda Lois Rempe MaGee

Linda Lois Rempe MaGee passed on October 14, 2013 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was born August 5, 1945 in Coral Gables, Florida, to Lois Davis Rempe and Edward Theodore Rempe, Jr., a prominent local architect. Linda graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1963 and then studied Fashion Design at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, a women’s small junior college where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1965. After finally experiencing, and liking, snow in Missouri, Linda transferred to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She enrolled in the School of Home Economics, Department of Clothing & Textiles and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967. From there, Linda moved to New York City to work in the Design Department of Simplicity Pattern Company. While in New York, she met Gerald MaGee, who worked for Enjay Chemical Company (now ExxonMobil Chemical Company), in the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church young adult group. They married in February 1971. Exxon Chemical moved Linda and Gerald several times during the next decade: first to Houston where their son David was born in 1974; then Hong Kong; then Darien, Conn. where their daughter Christina was born in 1978; and back to Houston where they have lived for 31 years. A highlight of these moves was their extensive travel in Asia while living in Hong Kong. Her family, friends and groups are what Linda cherished most. She was a homemaker during her children’s formative years, encouraging their many school and extracurricular activities. She instilled faith to her son and artistry to her daughter, greatly influencing their future careers in the ministry and advertising, respectively. Her immense pride in them was evident. Linda and her daughter had a shared passion for the creative arts in general, and she was particularly talented in calligraphy, needle point, jewelry-making, sewing and pattern-making. She was an active member of the Houston Calligraphy Guild and Houston Bead Society. For many years, she worked Mondays at the Cenacle Retreat House where she felt she was doing God’s work by writing in calligraphy on prayer cards. Another of Linda’s great joys was participating in groups at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, including United Methodist Women, Mission Stitchers, Common Thread Circle, the Friendship Sunday School Class, the Adult Education Table on Sunday mornings and frequent Bible studies. She was a thoughtful friend who enjoyed people, laughter and giving her time to others through projects, particularly if they involved art or the church. Linda is survived by her husband of 42 years, Gerald, son David and his wife Jennifer, daughter Christina, brother Ted Rempe and his wife Nancy and brother and sister in-laws John and Ruby MaGee. She is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Hayden and Hallie Everett, and four nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive on Tuesday, October 22 at 11 a.m. The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of customary remembrances.

Linda Lois Rempe MaGee

August 5, 1945 - October 14, 2013