Lillian Branch Thormaehlen

Lillian “Bitsy” Branch Burnett Thormaehlen, 87, was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 21, 1937 to parents James McCollum Burnett and Lillian Branch Masterson Burnett. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 10, 2025.

Lillian went by many names: Mom, Sister, Bitsy and Aunt Bitsy, but one of her proudest names was “Meemaw” as she was called by her 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

After living in San Antonio, she moved to McAllen and then Corpus Christi where she graduated from Ray High School.

She attended Texas A&I College in Kingsville in 1957 where she met the love of her life, Elmond “Buddy” Thormaehlen. They were married on September 5, 1959 in Corpus Christi, Texas at All Saints Church. Soon afterwards, they had a set of twins (Elmond and Albert), followed by two more sons (Mark and Lawrence – “Larry”) and, four years later, a daughter (Elizabeth).

They lived in Corpus Christi until 1970 when they purchased a larger home on 3 acres in the countryside outside of Taft, Texas. They lived there until 1984 when Buddy, Bitsy and Elizabeth moved to Houston. As her kids were growing up, Bitsy made it a point to go to all of their sporting events. Whether it was for baseball, little miss kickball practice, football or basketball, she made it to ALL games! She was the parent in the stands that other kids on the team considered their “Mom” as well! She was a devoted full-time mother and wife. She gave all of herself to meet the needs of her family.

Buddy’s job took them to Houston, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Conyers, Georgia. She enjoyed meeting new friends, playing numerous golf courses and living in new places. Upon Buddy’s retirement, they decided to move closer to family in Texas. They found a beautiful home on a golf course in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. After 5 years, they moved to their current home in New Braunfels, Texas.

If you knew Bitsy, you loved her! She was the most kind soul, gracing everyone she met. She was also known for her quick wit and incredible sense of humor. She made friends so easily and had many. She was always baking cookies, cakes and casseroles either “just because” she thought it was fun, or to help someone who needed it. She never wanted anyone to be hungry! Her favorite food group was chocolate! She made the BEST sheet cake in the world! Her grandchildren have fond memories of sweet baked goods like brownies and cookies being a staple at their house. Sometimes, they had dessert first!

Her kindness was not just for humans, but for animals as well. Our family was never without animals at our house. There were dogs, cats, opossums, turtles, and even an albino skunk that Mom took in. There was also Fred…a squirrel monkey that didn’t “appreciate” the rest of us but loved Mom!

Bitsy is survived by her husband of 65 years, Elmond Albert Thormaehlen, Jr. and their five children and spouses: Elmond (& Cheree) Thormaehlen, Albert Thormaehlen, Mark (& Carol) Thormaehlen, Larry (& Marcy) Thormaehlen and Elizabeth (& Glenn) Rotzler. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, as well as her brother Mac Burnett, sister Janice Hoelscher and sister-in-law Caroline Bluhm, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bitsy was such a unique and loving person who will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass will be at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church on June 23, 2025 at 10:00 am.

Burial will follow at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church cemetery immediately following the funeral. Funeral reception at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church Hall.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hope Hospice for taking such good care of Mom during the final months of her life…especially Maryn, Sara, Monica and Jackie who treated her with such compassion and care. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to her private care worker, Sylvia for the comfort she provided to Mom in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to: the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, any of the Community Outreach Ministries for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.