Elizabeth McBride
John & Laura McBride are saddened to announce the death at age 66 of their mother, Elizabeth Anne McBride, known as “Anne” to much of her family, eldest child of John Henry Wilmore and Frances Willard Wilmore (maiden name Cox), both deceased. In addition to being a mother, Elizabeth was an author, artist, art critic and more. Her son John (born 1967) is a photographer living in New York City and her daughter Laura (born 1969) is an oncology nurse living in Honolulu with her husband Beau and their daughter Emma. Elizabeth is also survived by her six brothers and sisters: John, Salila (Jean), Cindy, Thomas (James), Ruth and Jerrie Lee. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Portrait of Elizabeth in New York, 1970s
Elizabeth’s father served in WWII and remained in the US Air Force after the Allied victory, and she was raised in a variety of countries including France, Germany and Kwajalein (Marshall Islands). Elizabeth attended Rice University and, later, the University of Houston where she received a master’s degree in creative writing. She married and later divorced Thomas McBride. Elizabeth spent most of her adult life in Houston (interrupted by five years in Poughkeepsie, NY) and then later moved to Marfa, Texas after which she settled in Alpine where she lived until her death.
Memorial arrangements and all other related information will be announced here on this website in order to more easily communicate with everyone interested and concerned. Please check back for the latest updates.
Feel free to contact either John or Laura as well if you desire. If you choose to call, please remember that Laura lives in Hawaii and the time zone difference means that she is often asleep when those of us on the mainland are awake. Hawaii is 5 hours behind Central Time, so if it is noon in Texas it is only 7:00 am in Hawaii.
Marriage to Thomas McBride, 1964
You are welcome to post comments so that you may offer condolences and also to share information as to your plans to attend or not attend service(s) for Elizabeth. Please do not post John McBride’s or Laura McBride’s telephone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, etc. as such information is often abused on the internet. If you wish to contact John or Laura you may do so using the contact information you already have. If you do not have contact information and wish to reach us please do so at the following email address that has just been set up for this purpose: johnandlauramcbride@gmail.com
Tom & Elizabeth in Washington, DC, late 70s
At the moment, John and Laura are discussing whether to have just one service for Elizabeth, or whether to have a service in Alpine and then a following one in Houston as well. Once again, this information will be posted here first as soon as this has been worked out. A link to the funeral home where she is presently resting is shown on the right, but no plans have been made as of yet – please do not send flowers or make arrangements at this time.
Elizabeth with her mother, Frances, 1944
Houston, late 1960s
Elizabeth was a member of the Episcopal Church and we are sure that she would be happy to be mentioned in your prayers if you are so inclined. Finally, both John and Laura wish to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of you who have been a friend to Elizabeth and helped her along the way, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed at the time.
Photograph of John & Laura taken by Elizabeth, late 70s
John expects to travel to Alpine on Monday, June 1, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Will post again soon…
– John McBride posted May 29, 2009 at 1:30 pm EST
Thank you for writing such a sweet and kind page about your mom. Please ask for help if there is anything we can do. I am here for you both….
love lee
I have to add your mom was a great cook. she taught me how to fold in egg whites over the phone with laughter and patience. something i will always remember.
love lee
I will add her name to our prayer list at church. It’s Episcopal, so I think she’d like that.
Love to you both, Ann
lovely photos john and nice job. your mom would really like this……
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:16-15:8 King James Version Bible
May Elizabeth find peace with her god.
Much Love, Ruth
All are welcome to leave comments here. Please DO NOT post telephone numbers, email addresses or home addresses for John or Laura McBride, or anyone else for that matter, as this information is often abused. If you wish to post your own telephone number or email address then feel free to do so in order that others may contact you. We are perfectly happy for you to use this comments section as a way to reach others, facilitate travel plans, etc. – we just want everyone to be aware that any such comments are viewable by the world and to consider this before posting. Thank you for your consideration.
Oh, I remember that bright look and happy laugh! Great photos, John! Elizabeth truly was a genius, with the positives and negatives associated with such a classification, but she above all was a loving person, sensitive and kind, a true friend. She is at peace – we had numerous conversations about our spiritual composition, and I am comfortable that all is well with her now. Wonderful memories of her and our daughters abound.
She will always be Anne to me, as her mother will be Willard. Anne and I were first cousins only two years apart in age. I remember her as one of the cutest teenagers I ever saw when she came back from France.
The Wilmores moved to Texas and I saw little of her. Then, in Houston, we both married and later took our children to the park together. She and her children stopped at my house in Lousiana after seeing the King Tut exhibit in New Orleans. Recently, I heard from her a few months ago. She sounded well at that time.
We were young together.
Judy (Killough) Broussard
I was truly saddened and shocked upon hearing of Elizabeth’s passing. It was fortunate that I was able to see and visit with her twice in the past few months – once when she recently traveled to Houston and again this past April 16 when my husband, Ben, and son, Mark, and I vacationed in West Texas. Alpine was on our itinerary and so I contacted Elizabeth in advance of that to let her know we were coming. We had a wonderful visit and she looked and sounded good. Her home, though modest, was comfortable and well built. The winds were strong that day we visited yet the inside of her home had no hint of it. She was settled in nicely. We walked all over downtown Alpine while Ben and Mark did their thing, leaving us girls to our own. We spent much time discussing our families and children. She was infinitely proud of hers as am I, mine. She showed me all her photographs of the children and her granddaughter in Hawaii; her trip there too. Later that evening, we all went out to eat at this little independently owned and operated Mexican food restaurant which was great! Great guacamole. The visit was much too short but she was doing a review of a jazz ensemble that evening at Sul Ross University. She was writing an article for the local newspaper, a brilliant skill of which I am sure you are all aware. I shall miss her and though we did not see each other often, we have remained in touch since she moved from Houston. I am truly thankful that I did get to visit with her this past spring. To John and Laura please accept my deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Marsha L. Landers
I’m so sorry to hear about Elizabeth’s passing. John and Laura, my thoughts and condolences are with you.
Scott Hibbetts
I remember Ann as this vibrant, brainy, older cousin, kind of half older sister, half aunt. It was always so interesting to hear what was on her mind and how she expressed herself. As a teenager I always looked forward to our visits to the McBride home for the wonderful meals and company. I haven’t followed the course of Ann’s artistic career, just was always aware of her talent. The most important testimony to Ann and her spirit is her children, my cousins John and Laura, both of whom embody the best qualities of their mother.
Love,
Chuck
It was sudden and shocking news to hear of my sisters passing. totally unexpected. my condolences to you laura and john and wish you the best in life. See you at the service in Houston.
This news is really a shock. She was a really great woman, and contributed so much to the world. You assume that people like that will somehow go on forever. Thanks for putting together such a beautiful tribute to her. These pictures and words are really moving. I’m sure, even as critical as she could be, she would be proud of this.
I love Anne! I looked up to her in so many areas. She taught me how to cook, how to sew, how to write. She was always so certain, so talented, so organized and always there for me. One of my favorite pictures that I always keep sitting out out is of her and my mother with these big smiles on their faces.
What a lovely memorial for Anne.
Anne is my cousin, she and her brothers and sisters at the time live with us in the basement for part of a year before they went to France. We had such fun swimming and dating boys. She was a non-stop person. I hadn’t seen her recently but I think of her fondly.
Laura & John have my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou Stilwell
adding this comment here too to make sure it is visible.
Suggestion for a gathering for dinner in Houston saturday evening if that works for Laura and John? I am planning to book a room at the Hilton medical center for Saturday at minimum depending on where I fly (austin or houston). hotels.com has a decent rate and it’s very close to the church.
There is no doubt that the intellectual and creative aspects in my family, the things that make life worth living. originated with my mother and Anne Love and condolences to Laura and John.
My sincere condolences to John and Laura. I am saddened that your mother and I missed each other during her recent visit to Houston. But I do have many fond memories of her (this may be a long post).
I so much remember my wonderful visits to Houston during my childhood to stay with the McBrides. Your mother made Laura and I matching night gowns (I wore that nightgown into the ground) and took beautiful pictures that captured the wonderful times I had with the McBrides.
I also remember your mother framing a picture that I drew of the “route” from my house in Killeen to the McBride house in Houston. Of course I was no Picasso but it mattered not to her.
And of course I can’t forget the time she opened up her home to me when I first moved to Houston. I remember I was dealthly ill at work one day and your mother came and picked me up and took me back to the house. She always loved to laugh and since she is now looking down on us, I’m sure she would appreciate me confessing that I was really hungover!
And lastly, your mother was such a wonderful writer. I remember I fell in love with one of her short stories and one year, she asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told her I would love a copy of her short stories. So she kindly made copies for me and presented them as a birthday gift that I still have tucked away and read periodically – I will always cherish them!
I am so sorry to hear about Elizabeth’s death. We met when she did a residency at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa. She later moved to Marfa and we became friends. My husband, Robert, and I hosted an exhibition of her work at our newspaper office. For several years Elizabeth was happy in Marfa and had many friends. I am sorry she is gone. My condolences to her children.
Rosario Halpern
How sad! Elizabeth has been so generous to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, so supportive of art and artists over the years. She would apologize and say I can’t offer much but… and we would be delighted with her proposed gift. She cared passionately about art and i will miss hearing her ideas.
Anne Tucker
What a wonderful tribute to your sweet mother. Anne was my (older) cousin and a very thoughtful lady. I remember Aunt Willard taking several of us younger girl cousins up to Poughkeepsie, NY to visit with Thomas and Anne one summer. John and Laura were quite young then and very adorable. She was a wonderful hostess and we had a great time visiting. My thoughts and prayers are with you John and Laura during this trying time.
Nancy Knox
Elizabeth is gone and her passing is noticed. We spoke on the phone everyday and the void is huge. She was truly a great friend. Her greatest love and greatest sorrow was for her family. I know you will miss her as we all will.
I should have posted this comment here (instead of after a later post):
I had not seen Elizabeth in years but I am glad I got a chance to talk to her on the phone not too long ago. She recently sent me a small piece of art and a few photos of myself as a baby, which I really enjoyed.
Life is eternal, and love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
~Rossiter Worthington Raymond (1840-1918)
Love,
Alex (Salila Jean’s daughter)
John and Laura,
This is a really nice tribute to your mom. Those pictures of Elizabeth from the 70’s are just as I remember her.
Take care,
Richard
Elizabeth, her thoughtful insight, and warm openness were part of what is good about the Texas art scene for many years, she’ll leave a big hole.
John & Laura,
You have put together a wonderful memorial to your mother. It is very beautiful.
I am sorry for your loss.
Love,
Tom & Linda
Dear John and Laura,
Your mother, Elizabeth, had a kind heart and loved the residents at Alpine Valley Care Center. I always looked forward to Thursdays and seeing her smiling face. She loved to play bingo with the residents and will be missed by everyone at the facility. Thank you for the lovely tribute to your mother.
Sincerely,
Mary S. Ward
Activities Director AVCC
I’m very sorry for you loss. Elizabeth was my next door neighbor and we’ll miss her dearly. My 6 year old took a huge shine to her. She was always bringing him gifts and encouraging him to be creative. When we visited outside her home she would let him turn over her rocks in the garden to find rolly pollies. I saw her just a day or two before she passed…I wish I would have had more time to spend with her.
Elizabeth was my neighbor, my mom is Glenda, and she was really sweet from the time we knew her. My little brother, Josh, was really attatched to her. He would want to go see her about everyday after school. Elizabeth would often come to our house and ask me for help. Sometimes I would have to say no, but other times I couldn’t resist helping. I helped her revise an article that she wrote about taking a trip down south. She loved it too. She also needed help fixing her computer, and so I helped with that. I am very deeply sorry for your loss. She meant a lot to us!
When I think of my dear friend Elizabeth, I think of her remarkable courage and her exquisite kindness and sensitivity. There was also her fierce intelligence and hunger for truth. Elizabeth was rightly proud of her sense of humor, which was acute but never hurtful. She had a tough time, but she faced each day with all her best. And her deep religious faith was a huge blessing for her.
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom! I will always remember the trip to Poughkeepsie to visit Anne, Tommy, Laura and John. We traveled with Aunt Willard, Ruth, Lee, cousin Anne Gifford, my sister Nancy Knox and myself. Anne was a wonderful hostess and made the trip extra special for us. Nancy and I returned a year later to help Tommy and Anne with Laura and John at beach house in Connecticutt – all I remember from that trip the ocean water was especially fridgid. Of course, Laura and John were no trouble to keep and very sweet.
With deepest Sympathy – May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you, Beth Stilwell Dover (Aunt Deane’s Daughter)
John and Laura, I love this tribute that you have made for your mother Elizabeth. I am still in shock and so deeply saddened by her passing. I was her current provider from Outreach Health Services. I have so many fond memories or her. We became good friends these past two years I have worked with her. She was one of the nicest sweetest people I have ever met. She was like a mentor to me. She talked to me about art and about books she read and poetry and just about life in general. She helped me get through times when I was sad or stressed out with her words of encouragement and her understanding. She showed me pictures of the both of you and of herself and the rest of her family just a couple of weeks ago when she was going through her photo albums. She spoke highly of you all, especially of her grandaughter Emma. I appreciate so much her sweet and encouraging words for me. She never failed to tell me everyday how much she enjoyed my being there and how much she appreciated my work. She even wrote a letter to my boss telling her how much she appreciated me. I just can’t tell you how much that meant to me. I have so much love and respect for her. The last time I talked to her and saw her was on the 22nd of May when I left for the day. She gave me a hug as she always would before I left. I will miss her so much. Her passing leaves a big hole in heart. My prayers and condolences go out to you both. May the Lord bless you both and comfort you during this sorrowful time.
Dear John and Laura:
I see frames of Elizabeth, short takes from a movie in my mind’s eye: I see her dancing with Donald Barthelme at some sort of outside jazz thing when we were both in the Writing Program at UH in the 80s, or maybe my shot is wrong. SHE was dancing, and Donald was playing the drums. I see Elizabeth and me in Edward Albee’s playwriting class. We are huddled at the back exchanging comments and ideas, and Albee says, “Will the Elizabeths please be quiet.”
How could anyone be quiet around Elizabeth? She was a life spark and a tuning fork, a director’s cut. There she is in the 60s and 70s, something special. Salut!
I would never have met Elizabeth McBride if her smart and beautiful daughter, Laura, hadn’t married my son, Beau. Immediately I was taken by her presence, graciousness, hospitality and love. She had a taste and flair about her that I knew I lacked and always envied. She never failed to tell me what a great son I have and how much she loved him. My heart is sad and heavy with the loss of her. She has found her rest. My prayer is that her children will find peace and their own solace in that.
I can still hear her say on the phone, “Jill, this is E L I Z A B E T H!”.
My heart hurts for your loss,
Jill Wesstrom
I first met Elizabeth when we were both 17 & seniors at Bellaire High School in 1960. We remained good friends through our Rice days but totally lost touch right after graduation, when we both married.
We reconnected a couple of years ago because Elizabeth saw something in Rice’s alumni magazine that had been written by my mother. We stayed in touch, & most recently we spent part of a day together in Houston. I was there because my mother had recently died, and she had come to town to attend a production of her friend Edward Albee’s play. It was a magical afternoon.
We last talked late in the afternoon of Sunday, May 24. Several times we had discussed getting together again, and I felt so fortunate to have rediscovered a friend I could really talk to about things that mattered to both of us.
What a sad loss.
What an amazing person Elizabeth was. She always challenged me to be a better person. We met when I carpooled with Tom to NASA when we worked for IBM in the 60s. I can remember when John was born. Our friendship continued for over 40 years. In the 80s she started “The Breakfast Club”, a group of non-writers, which is an important support group for its members today. We always appreciated our founder as we wouldn’t have been friends without her. In the 90s she tutored my deaf son Tom in high school as she always wanted to make a difference in the world around her. Although I will miss her tremendously, I am glad she is finally at peace.
Very sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. She was very supportive of the art community in Alpine and I felt she personally encouraged me and my artwork. Thank you Elizabeth!
we are so very sad to hear about elizabeth. we had seen her recently and collected our hug, as always…she as always, happy and ‘out’ doing her thing around town. she was our very first customer when we opened our little coffee shop here in alpine several years ago, and was forever supportive and interested in whatever we were up to. her smile and her ‘up’ attitude will be sadly missed by all of alpine. our condolances to her family suze and alec quiett
Every time I try to compose a message for this site, I become dislocated with a profound mixture of grief and loss – yet joy, too. It is very difficult for me to find the words to express all that I feel concerning Elizabeth. I appreciate the writers so far, most of whom express thoughts and feelings that reflect my own. It blesses me very much to see some pictures I have never before seen. Thank you, Laura and John, for sharing them with us. I celebrate Elizabeth and her wonderful giftings, but mostly appreciate her love for and friendship with my husband, Dan, and me. There are so many moments of sharing in tears and laughter that it is impossible to mention them all. Many times, I told her that she is a hero to me. She is one of the bravest, most courageous, resourceful, amazing people I have ever known. Elizabeth prayed faithfully for us and encouraged me often. We will be forever grateful that we were permitted to know her. She was and still is a very special, important part of our lives and I love and miss her. I regret that I could not always be there for her and miss knowing that she and her little dog, BeeBee, are just across town. But I am comforted in knowing that she is resting in the bosom of Jesus now, Who has met all of her needs.
After I finished this posting, I set it aside for a few moments just to get away and refresh. So, I decided to go outside and trim a few hedges in the fresh, post-rain-shower air. As I was doing so, suddenly a vision of Elizabeth JOYFULLY, JOYFULLY DANCING – with her Savior! came over me. She was so, so happy and radiantly beautiful and free. I think the dress she had on was fitted, maybe tea length, flared the bottom, sparkling. They were whirling around a room. At the same time it felt as if the Holy Spirit was gently correcting me concerning my somber tones and telling me that, yes, she is resting – but she is also REJOICING in and with Him and He wants us to know it! Thank you Lord.
I look forward to seeing Elizabeth again someday. May her memory be for a blessing.
(p.s. – BeeBee is now with the Ft. Davis Humane Society, where she is awaiting the special person/family to love her and give her a new good home. She is a very adoptable, sweet, affectionate, middle-age schnauzer-type dog and would do well with adults and even most other canine companionship. If anyone might be interested, please call the H.S. at 432-426-3724. Thank you so much. I know Elizabeth would greatly appreciate it.)
I’m saddened at Elizabeth’s passing, but I’m a better person having known her.
She was amazing, complicated, combative, compassionate, complicated, conflicted, and passionate about life, art, and politics. Her work, her writings, her art was filled with depth and substance, sometimes depicting the beauty of humanity, sometimes depicting the beast.
We got to know her many years ago as a Chinati Foundation writer in residence and sat in silence enraptured at her reading, a slice of life from her time in Belize.
She moved to Marfa. She contributed to our newspaper. Her opinionated columns often got us into trouble.
We talked and debated about all things: art, politics, culture, and social and cultural aspects. We agreed and we disagreed. It was often lively.
I’ll never forget when she chained herself to a tree at the Presidio County Courthouse to keep it from being cut down.
Thanks, Elizabeth, for coming into my life. G-d be with you and your family. Decanse en paz.
BeBe has found a new home with a loving owner and other pets. She is so happy having others to interact with. The remaining years of her life will be filled with joy! She’s even sleeping in the bed: a true sign of comfort. God has blessed BeBe in her time of loss.
John and Laura
My condolences to you
Love
Le
Dear Elizabeth,
After I heard the news of your passing, I drove past your house, where I had spent many a fine hour talking and learning from you. I cried at the thought of never seeing you again. I keep driving past your house and I wonder what happened and where you little dog Bebe is? I’ll always remember you for many reasons.
Your friend,
Gay Studebaker
I am deeply saddened by Elizabeth’s passing. She had been my neighbor in Marfa when we first bought our house. I had heard of her strong opinions regarding our remodeling and other things, and was curious about this person. Upon getting to know and understand Elizabeth, I felt a deep friendship and enormous respect for her and her courageous spirit. We shared many wonderful moments, the ups and downs of the small town life, and frustrations of being misunderstood. I was always proud of her standing up for a “cause” such as the trees at the courthouse being cut down. I called to tell her “Good for you Elizabeth!”, That would be repeated many times. I remember very fondly a beautiful luncheon that she prepared at her home for me, Barbara and Lynn. She was very much of a southern lady, with a strong artists spirit. My husband loved the exchange of intellect regarding her writings, and she appreciated his brave fight for the underdog in the courtroom. I received a call from Elizabeth just a few weeks ago, she sounded very upbeat and eager to visit again. I feel sad that that did not happen. She has left me with many wonderful memories and she will always be my friend.
Only met Elizabeth a short time ago..Will miss her and treasure my memories of time and cups of tea shared……..She was kind to me and it was good to have crossed paths in Alpine.
The photos are lovely.
In the early 1980’s I met an engaging, warm and gracious sister-in-law
and a wonderful, thoughtful conversationalist and a great intellect.
Elizabeth had a smile and a laugh that could brighten a cloudy day. I’m fortunate to have known her.
Oh, Elizabeth! I’ve never known anyone else who could, in the space of 10 minutes, be so alternately delightful, funny, razor sharp, passionate, confounding, profound, candid, unexpected, exasperating and loving.
We were her colleagues and friends at the Sentinel here in Marfa. We’ll sure miss her.
Oh, Elizabeth, how much you’ve been in my thoughts these last few years, in
spite of being out of touch!
John and Laura, Elizabeth was one of the most generous, intelligent and challenging people I’ve known. I’m terribly shocked and sad but grateful to have been called, and will be at the service in Houston Sunday.
To see the Bellaire High School remembrance of Elizabeth, go to http://www.Bellaire1960.com
Elizabeth was one of the first people I met when I entered Rice in the fall of 1960. We have remained friends through nearly fifty years, mostly separated by long distances. We kept in touch by phone and email, and whenever I returned to Texas, by visits. She sent me her poetry and prose, and was always happy to discuss her work, her life, politics, world affairs, or anything else, and was always sharp and well-informed. This is a sad loss, but I am glad that Elizabeth was a part of my life for so long.