Elwanda Joe Lundgren

Elwanda Joe McGee Lundgren, of Elgin, Texas. was born on April 2, 1931 to Howard and John Joe Carter McGee. She left this world peacefully on May 25, 2014. She was born at home in a small rural community called Siloam which was located close to Beaukiss, Texas. As a young girl, she walked five miles to the Woodrow School each day -usually by herself. The family moved to Austin briefly where they owned and operated a store on the east side along with her grandparents John and Neely Carter. In the 40s, they moved back to the Elgin area where her father was a partner in McGee Bros. Shoe Repair and Mattress Co. This business is still in operation today. Times were hard and her parents and grandfather, along with many other Elginites, went to work at Camp Swift during World War II. They lived in Elgin’s only three story building on Main Street along with another family whose son, Sidney, became her life long friend. Later, they purchased a house and rented out rooms to military families. During this time, she attended Elgin High School, was a majorette in the high school band and involved in many activities.

In 1947,she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Lundgren. They had three children, Donna, Charlie and Rhonda. The family moved to Corpus and lived there for nine years before returning to Elgin.

Their son, Charlie, was born with Cystic Fibrosis at Fleming Hospital in Elgin. The care, love and dedication she provided him throughout his life not only allowed him to have a longer life but a life full of family, friends, fun, cooking and art.

In the 1960s, she and her husband opened Lundgren’s Cafe. Her food was legendary and people still today say they wish they had one of her chicken fried steaks, enchiladas or hamburgers. During these years, she gave many teenagers a job. After years of hard work, she sold the business.

In 1990, she began doing all of the funeral receptions for the First Baptist Church of Elgin- a job her mother had done until her death in 1990. Elwanda took this role seriously and spent many hours planning and serving families during their time of grief. She often said, that she felt this was one of the most important things a church could do for their members and families. She continued this role faithfully until 2005 when her health would no longer allow. She was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Elgin where she served as a Sunday School secretary and helped with youth activities when her children were growing up.

The most important part of her life was her family and friends-which she had many. She was a very involved grandmother and one that her grandchildren always enjoyed being with. She was fun and alway interested in what was happening in their lives. Everyone liked to be around Elwanda. From her name “Elwanda” to her “big hair”, she was a real Texas lady, full of grace, beauty and charm. In fact, her former preacher, Brother Ray Head, would come into her cafe singing the song “Elvira” to her. But, George Jones was her favorite singer. The true character of Elwanda was one of strength, determination, and hard work but she could also have a good time! She worked quietly behind the scenes never wanting recognition for herself. She was someone everyone could count on. For many years, she baked german chocolate cakes for the annual Elgin Fire Department BBQ and sent platters of chicken fried steaks to friends when they lost a loved one.

She was Vice-President of the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Association, past member of the Elgin Cemetery Association and a board member of the Elgin Historical Association and very much involved in the restoration of the historic Elgin Union Depot which houses Elgin’s only museum.

These last years, she has been mostly homebound. With the help of her husband , Charles, who spent the last years caring for her every need, she has been able to continue to lead a life at home. Never one to just sit, she was always up each day in her chair watching the birds and looking at her beautiful yard. Her bed was only for night time sleep. She never complained, never asked for anything but was always grateful for each day, even though each day was a struggle. The family gathered at her house this year for Easter dinner and she celebrated Mother’s Day with family again a few weeks ago. Her family will miss her immensely. She was the glue that held us together.

She is preceded in death by her son, Charles Neil Lundgren Jr., her grandson, Gary Lynn Snowden Jr. and her brother Howard “Buddy” McGee Jr. She is also preceded in death by her brother -in -law, Leslie Lind and sister -in -law, Rosie Lundgren. Nieces; Melodie Lundgren Bolton and Sandy Lind.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Charles N. Lundgren, daughters, Rhonda Moore husband Ronnie; Donna Snowden and husband Gary “Bubba”; Grandchildren: Tracy Snowden Ortiz (Pascual); Jackie Moore (Brandon); Candace Moore; Leif Moore (Amber); and Jett Moore. Great-grandchildren; Ethan, Braylon, Jaylen, Dylan Owens; Charlie and Paloma Ortiz.

The family would like to thank Scott and White Hospice along with Dr. Mark Stone and Dr. Jeana O’Brian of Scott and White for their care. We are also thankful for visits from Paul Roberts, Bobby and Helen Walker, and Sammy and Shirley Lundgren. A special thank you to Laurie Stifflemire for all she did to help in these last years.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Scott and White Hospice.

A visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, May 28, 2014, Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Elwanda's Life will be held 3:00 PM Thursday, May 29, 2014, First Baptist Church, Elgin.