Kaffenberger, Elizabeth's Obituary
Elizabeth “Betty” Kaffenberger, age 97, of Pearland, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, in Bastrop, Texas.
Betty was born on November 14, 1928, in Caldwell, Texas, to Andrea (Andrew) and Antonina (Lena) Cangelosi. She lived a long and meaningful life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Jo Ivie Bode and Bess Daglio; her brother, Sam Cangelosi; her beloved husband, Robert Kaffenberger; her son, Wayne Kaffenberger; and her granddaughter, Ashley King.
She is survived by her daughter, Robin King; her grandchildren, Lisa Vail and husband Toby, Laura Clayton and husband Jeffery, Nicole Galloway, Briann Olvera and husband Oscar, Marilyn Kaffenberger King, and Austin King and wife Sandra. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Katelyn Lau and husband Blake, Taylor Herrick and husband Brandon, Kearstyn Vail, Tristyn Vail, Evelyn Vail, Giovanni Olvera, Mireilli Olvera, Natalli Olvera, Santiago Olvera, and Mireya Olvera; and her great-great-grandson, Lane Herrick.
Betty faithfully served the University of St. Thomas for 65 years with dedication and pride. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she was an active member of the Sacred Heart Basilian Lay Association. Later in life, she also became a member of the Red Hat Society.
Betty enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved playing bridge, Rummikub, and bingo with friends, and she especially enjoyed playing Go Fish with her grandchildren. Known lovingly as “Grandma” to nearly everyone she met, Betty’s warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit touched many lives.
She will be deeply loved, remembered, and missed by all who knew her.
Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband, Robert Kaffenberger, and her son, Wayne Kaffenberger at South Park Funeral Home in Pearland, Texas. A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wayne Kaffenberger Endowment at the University of St. Thomas.
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