Birdie Leigh (Eva) Raschke (1921 - 2008)

Born 28 Mar 1921 in Austin, Travis, Texas, USA

Biography

Birdie Leigh Eva Raschke died March 3, 2008 at the age of 86. She was born and grew up in Austin, Texas. She graduated from Austin High School in 1936 and St. Mary's Academy in 1939. For a period of time after college she was a professional model, appearing in T.V. ads and featured on magazine covers. In 1942, she began working at the American National Bank. She became the first woman bank officer in Austin and stayed until her retirement, 44 years later. During her banking career, she was General Controller of the bank and account analysis, New Accounts Manager and Assistant Cashier, Assistant Vice President for Women's Services, Assistant Vice President for Customer Relations, Assistant Vice President for Business Development, Assistant Vice President for Trust, and Vice President for the Sixty Plus Program. She also joined the American Institute of Banking, held every office in the organization, and became the first woman President. She had membership in the National Women's Committee, the National Public Relations Committee, and the National Executive Council. As a woman pioneer leader in banking, she traveled across Texas and the country to speak at regional and national conventions. Birdie was dedicated to community service and volunteered hours of her time to community organizations and clubs. She was a member of the Advisory Council for Retired Citizen's of Travis County, member of the Zonta Club (international club of professional woman), member of the Upjohn Home Health Care Advisory Board, President of the Advisory Council of the Capitol City Nursing Home, President of the Senior Games for Central Texas in 1986, Board Member of the Better Business Bureau, 1986, President of the Austin Women's Club from 1989-1991 and also member for many years, and member of the Austin Knife and Fork Club. As a cancer survivor, she was dedicated to the American Cancer Society, serving as Residential Chairman for the City of Austin in 1976, Special Events Chairman in 1977, Area Crusade Committee Chairman in 1978 (recognized for outstanding leadership), First Vice President in 1979-1980, a member of the Board of Directors for 7 years, President for 1981-1982, and a member of the State Board of Directors from 1978-1982. She was awarded the Volunteer Service Award of the Austin City Unit for leadership in 1979-1980. Birdie married William H. "Bill" Raschke in October, 1986. As a couple they continued their dedication to community organizations and activities. They were active members of the First United Methodist Church. They also created many wonderful memories with friends and family during their devoted marriage of 20 years. Birdie will always be remembered for her vivacious personality and her wonderful smile. During her last years, even while struggling with Alzheimer's, she greeted everyone with a beautiful smile on her face. Birdie was preceded in death by her mother Birdie Lee Eva, father Calvin Addison Eva, and husband Bill Raschke. She is survived by her first cousin Richard Russell of Fort Worth and extended family, her children by marriage, William C. Raschke, Erin Hawkins, Lesa Walker, and her grandchildren by marriage, Kelly and Kristine Hawkins, David Walker, and Nathan and Bryn Raschke. Birdie and her family extend many thanks to all her wonderful and supportive friends and a special thank you to her caregivers over these last few years. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Weed Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Services will be held on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in the Weed Corley-Fish Chapel, 3125 North Lamar. Burial will follow the service at the Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery. Contributions in Birdie Raschke's memory may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 149100, Austin, Texas 78714. Obituary and guest book online at wcfish.com.

Sources

• http://wcfish.tributes.com/obituary/show/Birdie-Leigh-Eva-Raschke-82949141
• Find A Grave: Memorial #149792690