MARTHA MCBIRNEY CAVNESS
1928-2018
Martha “Tita” McBirney Cavness, 89, of Houston, Texas passed away on March 12, 2018. She was born on April 27, 1928, in San Angelo, Texas, and was the daughter of the late Harry and Ruth Juergens. She grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, and spent her childhood with her large extended family throughout Texas and Mexico.
She is preceded in death by her first husband of 30 years, Sam McBirney, her second husband of 25 years, Charles “Buddy” Cavness, and her younger brother, Larry “Bud” Juergens.
She is survived by her 3 children, Martita McBirney Schmuck and her husband Donald, Sam McBirney and his wife Molly, and Patrick McBirney; three grandchildren and one great grandson; and her sister Harriet “Pud’n” Dellinger.
Tita attended The University of Texas for 3 years, where she met Sam McBirney, a young veteran of World War II. They married in 1948 and moved to Bartlesville, OK. In 1954, they moved to Houston, Texas, where they raised their 3 children. She finished her degree at the University of Houston in 1978 at the age of 50, with a BA in English, emphasis on linguistics. When Sam passed away in 1979, Tita began a successful career as a Realtor with Madeline O’Brien. In the early 1980’s, she re-established a friendship with Buddy Cavness and married him in 1987. She was a lifetime active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma (University of Texas) and the Houston Junior League. Tita and Buddy traveled the world, from the high seas of the Antarctic, to the grand opera houses of Europe, the African Serengeti, and the temples of Asia. Every year, they spent time in their second homes, skiing in Vail, Colorado, and partying in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Her Houston house reminded one of a Mexican hacienda, as Tita loved all things Mexican. Other than traveling, and the occasional bridge game, her passion was supporting The Brookwood Community, where her son Patrick was a first resident in 1986 and continues to live there today. As a volunteer and effective fundraiser, Tita was tireless in aiding Brookwood.
She will be remembered not only for her community and family activism, but also for her curious mind, strong will, and freely shared opinions.
Memorial Services will be conducted Friday, March 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Chapel at the The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire, Texas with Reverend Joe Mazzu officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to a reception in the Brookwood Cafe. A private family service will be conducted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Tita’s name, to The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire, Texas 77423 (www.brookwoodcommunity.org).
The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at The Buckingham, Kindred at Home Care, Always Best Care Services, Vantage Hospice, Elsa Cuevas, and Pepe.