Birgit Josephine Maria Gideon was born at home on Sunday, March 3rd, 1940 in Berlin, Germany to Gustav Pausch (Father) of the Erzgebirge region and Friederike Eier Pausch (Mother) of Mikolov – formally Nickolsburg, Czechoslovakia.
The region of Birgit's family origins was called Sudentenland and it was relatively poor, however it was known for its mining and home industries, which included wood working (nutcrackers) and Kloeppelspitze (bobbin-lace). As World War II was approaching an end, Birgit's father had become a Russian POW, while she and her family suffered depravation, daily air raids, and persecution through retaliation by the Czechs. They would eventually be forced to flee via a coal transport train- narrowly escaping capture by the advancing Russian army. By August of 1945, Birgit and her family made it to an American Occupied zone and they were processed and placed into detention in the town of Martinlamitz. There, they were given shelter in the warehouse of the Eisenwerk (iron works factory). Birgit's father was released from captivity in 1948 and he, along with his reunited family joined all of Germany in the effort to rebuild a nation in ruins. By 1950, Birgit's family had moved to Nuremburg, Germany.
Birgit completed 8 grades in the public school system and then became an apprentice in the Berufschule (trade school). By this time, Birgit's father had returned to his profession as a traveling salesman and had opened a Herrengeschaeft (men's clothing and specialty store) where Birgit was employed. Birgit studied as a textile apprentice and successfully received a "Gesellenbrief" from the local Handelskammer (Chamber of Commerce).
In 1962, Birgit met her beloved husband, Milton "Mel" Gideon, an American army Staff Sgt. while he was stationed in Nuremburg. They were married on March 2nd, 1963 and they went on to spend 48 wonderful years together until Mel's passing on August 1st, 2011. In the summer of 1964, after Mel's tour of duty was up, Birgit and Mel came to Texas (Mel's place of birth) and they began building a life together in the Houston/Conroe Area.
Birgit was a stay-at-home mom for many years as she and Mel were blessed with four boys – Henry, Raimund, Jeffrey, and Matthew. As the boys got older, Birgit went to work for the Conroe Independent School District at Ben Milam Elementary as a teacher's aide. Birgit worked there for over 10 years and was recognized numerous times for her outstanding work in service to teachers and students – indeed she was nominated several times and was awarded para-professional of the year. It was during this time also that Birgit and Mel frequented the Texas Hill Country for weekend getaways and family vacations. After Mel retired from the Houston Police Department in the late 80's, Birgit and Mel realized their life long dream and they relocated to the small ranching community of Doss in Gillespie County. Although semi-retired, Mel became the Chief Deputy Sherriff of Gillespie County, while Birgit went to work as a hotel receptionist in Fredericksburg, Texas. Birgit immersed herself in the communities of Fredericksburg and Doss and was active in many endeavors including: the Gillespie County Fair Association, Doss Community Center, and Hilda Methodist Church Cemetery Association. Birgit also pursued her great love of old-world, traditional knitting and crocheting. She won numerous "best of show" ribbons and awards at the annual Gillespie County Fair, and was always ready to showcase her craft and unique skills as a regular artisan featured at Bastrop's annual Yesterfest. Birgit's second love was the pursuit of fine antiques at bargain prices. Birgit and Mel were members of the Hilda United Methodist Church.
Birgit achieved a personal goal on February 27, 1987, when she proudly became a citizen of the United States.
Birgit was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband. She is survived by son Henry & wife Staci of Bastrop; son Raimund & wife Wendy of Longview; son Jeffrey (Senior Master Sergeant USAF) & wife Becky (Master Sergeant USAF) of San Antonio, and son Matthew & wife Angelica of Austin. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Birgit is also survived by brother Kurt Pausch & wife Betty of Nuremburg; brother Reinhard Pausch & wife Gerti of Piney Point Maryland; sister Edda Klos & husband Walter of Nuremburg; and sister Jutta Hyde of Munich.
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The region of Birgit's family origins was called Sudentenland and it was relatively poor, however it was known for its mining and home industries, which included wood working (nutcrackers) and Kloeppelspitze (bobbin-lace). As World War II was approaching an end, Birgit's father had become a Russian POW, while she and her family suffered depravation, daily air raids, and persecution through retaliation by the Czechs. They would eventually be forced to flee via a coal transport train- narrowly escaping capture by the advancing Russian army. By August of 1945, Birgit and her family made it to an American Occupied zone and they were processed and placed into detention in the town of Martinlamitz. There, they were given shelter in the warehouse of the Eisenwerk (iron works factory). Birgit's father was released from captivity in 1948 and he, along with his reunited family joined all of Germany in the effort to rebuild a nation in ruins. By 1950, Birgit's family had moved to Nuremburg, Germany.
Birgit completed 8 grades in the public school system and then became an apprentice in the Berufschule (trade school). By this time, Birgit's father had returned to his profession as a traveling salesman and had opened a Herrengeschaeft (men's clothing and specialty store) where Birgit was employed. Birgit studied as a textile apprentice and successfully received a "Gesellenbrief" from the local Handelskammer (Chamber of Commerce).
In 1962, Birgit met her beloved husband, Milton "Mel" Gideon, an American army Staff Sgt. while he was stationed in Nuremburg. They were married on March 2nd, 1963 and they went on to spend 48 wonderful years together until Mel's passing on August 1st, 2011. In the summer of 1964, after Mel's tour of duty was up, Birgit and Mel came to Texas (Mel's place of birth) and they began building a life together in the Houston/Conroe Area.
Birgit was a stay-at-home mom for many years as she and Mel were blessed with four boys – Henry, Raimund, Jeffrey, and Matthew. As the boys got older, Birgit went to work for the Conroe Independent School District at Ben Milam Elementary as a teacher's aide. Birgit worked there for over 10 years and was recognized numerous times for her outstanding work in service to teachers and students – indeed she was nominated several times and was awarded para-professional of the year. It was during this time also that Birgit and Mel frequented the Texas Hill Country for weekend getaways and family vacations. After Mel retired from the Houston Police Department in the late 80's, Birgit and Mel realized their life long dream and they relocated to the small ranching community of Doss in Gillespie County. Although semi-retired, Mel became the Chief Deputy Sherriff of Gillespie County, while Birgit went to work as a hotel receptionist in Fredericksburg, Texas. Birgit immersed herself in the communities of Fredericksburg and Doss and was active in many endeavors including: the Gillespie County Fair Association, Doss Community Center, and Hilda Methodist Church Cemetery Association. Birgit also pursued her great love of old-world, traditional knitting and crocheting. She won numerous "best of show" ribbons and awards at the annual Gillespie County Fair, and was always ready to showcase her craft and unique skills as a regular artisan featured at Bastrop's annual Yesterfest. Birgit's second love was the pursuit of fine antiques at bargain prices. Birgit and Mel were members of the Hilda United Methodist Church.
Birgit achieved a personal goal on February 27, 1987, when she proudly became a citizen of the United States.
Birgit was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband. She is survived by son Henry & wife Staci of Bastrop; son Raimund & wife Wendy of Longview; son Jeffrey (Senior Master Sergeant USAF) & wife Becky (Master Sergeant USAF) of San Antonio, and son Matthew & wife Angelica of Austin. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Birgit is also survived by brother Kurt Pausch & wife Betty of Nuremburg; brother Reinhard Pausch & wife Gerti of Piney Point Maryland; sister Edda Klos & husband Walter of Nuremburg; and sister Jutta Hyde of Munich.
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Birgit Josephine Maria Gideon was born at home on Sunday, March 3rd, 1940 in Berlin, Germany to Gustav Pausch (Father) of the Erzgebirge region and Friederike Eier Pausch (Mother) of Mikolov – formally Nickolsburg, Czechoslovakia.
The region of Birgit's family origins was called Sudentenland and it was relatively poor, however it was known for its mining and home industries, which included wood working (nutcrackers) and Kloeppelspitze (bobbin-lace). As World War II was approaching an end, Birgit's father had become a Russian POW, while she and her family suffered depravation, daily air raids, and persecution through retaliation by the Czechs. They would eventually be forced to flee via a coal transport train- narrowly escaping capture by the advancing Russian army. By August of 1945, Birgit and her family made it to an American Occupied zone and they were processed and placed into detention in the town of Martinlamitz. There, they were given shelter in the warehouse of the Eisenwerk (iron works factory). Birgit's father was released from captivity in 1948 and he, along with his reunited family joined all of Germany in the effort to rebuild a nation in ruins. By 1950, Birgit's family had moved to Nuremburg, Germany.
Birgit completed 8 grades in the public school system and then became an apprentice in the Berufschule (trade school). By this time, Birgit's father had returned to his profession as a traveling salesman and had opened a Herrengeschaeft (men's clothing and specialty store) where Birgit was employed. Birgit studied as a textile apprentice and successfully received a "Gesellenbrief" from the local Handelskammer (Chamber of Commerce).
In 1962, Birgit met her beloved husband, Milton "Mel" Gideon, an American army Staff Sgt. while he was stationed in Nuremburg. They were married on March 2nd, 1963 and they went on to spend 48 wonderful years together until Mel's passing on August 1st, 2011. In the summer of 1964, after Mel's tour of duty was up, Birgit and Mel came to Texas (Mel's place of birth) and they began building a life together in the Houston/Conroe Area.
Birgit was a stay-at-home mom for many years as she and Mel were blessed with four boys – Henry, Raimund, Jeffrey, and Matthew. As the boys got older, Birgit went to work for the Conroe Independent School District at Ben Milam Elementary as a teacher's aide. Birgit worked there for over 10 years and was recognized numerous times for her outstanding work in service to teachers and students – indeed she was nominated several times and was awarded para-professional of the year. It was during this time also that Birgit and Mel frequented the Texas Hill Country for weekend getaways and family vacations. After Mel retired from the Houston Police Department in the late 80's, Birgit and Mel realized their life long dream and they relocated to the small ranching community of Doss in Gillespie County. Although semi-retired, Mel became the Chief Deputy Sherriff of Gillespie County, while Birgit went to work as a hotel receptionist in Fredericksburg, Texas. Birgit immersed herself in the communities of Fredericksburg and Doss and was active in many endeavors including: the Gillespie County Fair Association, Doss Community Center, and Hilda Methodist Church Cemetery Association. Birgit also pursued her great love of old-world, traditional knitting and crocheting. She won numerous "best of show" ribbons and awards at the annual Gillespie County Fair, and was always ready to showcase her craft and unique skills as a regular artisan featured at Bastrop's annual Yesterfest. Birgit's second love was the pursuit of fine antiques at bargain prices. Birgit and Mel were members of the Hilda United Methodist Church.
Birgit achieved a personal goal on February 27, 1987, when she proudly became a citizen of the United States.
Birgit was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband. She is survived by son Henry & wife Staci of Bastrop; son Raimund & wife Wendy of Longview; son Jeffrey (Senior Master Sergeant USAF) & wife Becky (Master Sergeant USAF) of San Antonio, and son Matthew & wife Angelica of Austin. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Birgit is also survived by brother Kurt Pausch & wife Betty of Nuremburg; brother Reinhard Pausch & wife Gerti of Piney Point Maryland; sister Edda Klos & husband Walter of Nuremburg; and sister Jutta Hyde of Munich.
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The region of Birgit's family origins was called Sudentenland and it was relatively poor, however it was known for its mining and home industries, which included wood working (nutcrackers) and Kloeppelspitze (bobbin-lace). As World War II was approaching an end, Birgit's father had become a Russian POW, while she and her family suffered depravation, daily air raids, and persecution through retaliation by the Czechs. They would eventually be forced to flee via a coal transport train- narrowly escaping capture by the advancing Russian army. By August of 1945, Birgit and her family made it to an American Occupied zone and they were processed and placed into detention in the town of Martinlamitz. There, they were given shelter in the warehouse of the Eisenwerk (iron works factory). Birgit's father was released from captivity in 1948 and he, along with his reunited family joined all of Germany in the effort to rebuild a nation in ruins. By 1950, Birgit's family had moved to Nuremburg, Germany.
Birgit completed 8 grades in the public school system and then became an apprentice in the Berufschule (trade school). By this time, Birgit's father had returned to his profession as a traveling salesman and had opened a Herrengeschaeft (men's clothing and specialty store) where Birgit was employed. Birgit studied as a textile apprentice and successfully received a "Gesellenbrief" from the local Handelskammer (Chamber of Commerce).
In 1962, Birgit met her beloved husband, Milton "Mel" Gideon, an American army Staff Sgt. while he was stationed in Nuremburg. They were married on March 2nd, 1963 and they went on to spend 48 wonderful years together until Mel's passing on August 1st, 2011. In the summer of 1964, after Mel's tour of duty was up, Birgit and Mel came to Texas (Mel's place of birth) and they began building a life together in the Houston/Conroe Area.
Birgit was a stay-at-home mom for many years as she and Mel were blessed with four boys – Henry, Raimund, Jeffrey, and Matthew. As the boys got older, Birgit went to work for the Conroe Independent School District at Ben Milam Elementary as a teacher's aide. Birgit worked there for over 10 years and was recognized numerous times for her outstanding work in service to teachers and students – indeed she was nominated several times and was awarded para-professional of the year. It was during this time also that Birgit and Mel frequented the Texas Hill Country for weekend getaways and family vacations. After Mel retired from the Houston Police Department in the late 80's, Birgit and Mel realized their life long dream and they relocated to the small ranching community of Doss in Gillespie County. Although semi-retired, Mel became the Chief Deputy Sherriff of Gillespie County, while Birgit went to work as a hotel receptionist in Fredericksburg, Texas. Birgit immersed herself in the communities of Fredericksburg and Doss and was active in many endeavors including: the Gillespie County Fair Association, Doss Community Center, and Hilda Methodist Church Cemetery Association. Birgit also pursued her great love of old-world, traditional knitting and crocheting. She won numerous "best of show" ribbons and awards at the annual Gillespie County Fair, and was always ready to showcase her craft and unique skills as a regular artisan featured at Bastrop's annual Yesterfest. Birgit's second love was the pursuit of fine antiques at bargain prices. Birgit and Mel were members of the Hilda United Methodist Church.
Birgit achieved a personal goal on February 27, 1987, when she proudly became a citizen of the United States.
Birgit was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband. She is survived by son Henry & wife Staci of Bastrop; son Raimund & wife Wendy of Longview; son Jeffrey (Senior Master Sergeant USAF) & wife Becky (Master Sergeant USAF) of San Antonio, and son Matthew & wife Angelica of Austin. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Birgit is also survived by brother Kurt Pausch & wife Betty of Nuremburg; brother Reinhard Pausch & wife Gerti of Piney Point Maryland; sister Edda Klos & husband Walter of Nuremburg; and sister Jutta Hyde of Munich.
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