Eileen M. Phalen McBride

Eileen M. Phalen McBride, 97, of Winnie died Tuesday, January 17, 2017. She was born September 29, 1919, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Sophia Calnan Phalen and James Albert Phalen.

Survivors include daughters, Kathleen Ferguson and her husband, Glenn, of Galveston; Colleen Ruple and her husband, Gerald, of Beaumont; Maureen Christensen and her husband, Gary, of Graham, Washington; sons, Louie W. “Bubby” McBride, Jr. and his wife, Arlene, of Tacoma, Washington; Kevin McBride and his wife, Ann, of Pearland; daughter-in-law, Debra McBride of League City;  brother, William “Bill” Phalen of San Antonio; sisters-in-law, Jo Phalen of Houston; “Pitt” Huddleston and Emily Dale, both of Winnie; fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren and her friend, companion and caregiver of ten years, Mary Lara.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Louie “Bill” McBride, Sr.; and her son, Brian McBride.

After graduating from the University of Houston, with a degree in education, Eileen began her teaching career in Winnie. This is where she met the love of her life, Bill McBride. Along side her husband, she took on a new role in life, she became a rice farmer. She continued her rice farming business the rest of her life.

Eileen was active in many organizations throughout her life, including the Chambers County Historical Society, the Winnie Hospital Axillary, and the Board of Directors of Allied Bank and Gulf Coast Bank.

As a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, her faith was the foundation of her life. She was the first secretary and historian at the church. She started the flower fund, was the bookkeeper of the Altar Society, taught CCD classes, and was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, where she held the title of Lady Grand Cross of the Holy Sepulchre.

Through her strong faith and love of family, she has left a lasting legacy in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Summer Place in Beaumont and Altus Hospice for the wonderful care given. 

A gathering of Mrs. McBride’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2017, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2017, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, #4 Bayou Brandt, Suite B, Beaumont, Texas 77704.