Katie Eckstrom Haines
December 4, 1937 -
July 28, 2026
Catherine Madelle Eckstrom Haines died peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born December 4th, 1937, in Houston, Texas, she was the pride and joy of her entire family. After her parents, Charles Malcom Eckstrom and Madge Adelle Murphy Eckstrom, lost their beloved daughter, Madge at age 17, Madelle, as she was called by her family, was born and brought back joy and love to the family, as only a new baby can.
She grew to be a beautiful young woman, known by then as Katie, with many friends and admirers. While a senior at Lamar High School in Houston, one of Katie's friends called to ask a favor. Her cousin, a student at Texas A&M, was coming to town with a friend for a party at the Poolside Motel, and the friend needed a last-minute date. Katie agreed, though the poor young man would spend most of the evening by himself.
Meanwhile, in College Station, Texas A&M juniors Charlie Haines and his friend Jack Dreyfus were delayed by Corps punishment that evening. When they were finally free, they decided to drive to Houston for a party, even though neither had been able to find dates.
It was there that Katie met Charlie.
They had fun talking and dancing the night away. Two weeks later, they had their first date for her graduation, going to all the parties and having a wonderful time. The rest, as they say, is history! They would have celebrated their 69th anniversary on July 24th this year.
Katie was a real people person who would talk to anyone about anything. Like her mother, she could sew beautifully. She was a wonderful cook, but admittedly not always so wonderful at baking.
She loved sailing with Charlie and together they explored the Caribbean and the East Coast, creating memories and lifelong friendships along the way. She was a huge Aggie football fan, and loved Christmas. Katie could embellish a joke or story like the most accomplished wordsmith.
Most of all, she loved her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie; her parents, Madge Adelle Eckstrom and Charles Malcom Eckstrom; her brother, Charles Eckstrom and his wife, Melba Eckstrom.
Katie is survived by her daughter, Vicki Haines of Friendswood, Texas; granddaughter Catherine Zercher and her husband, Rusty, of Melissa, Texas, great-grandchildren, Jackson and Charles; and grandson Adam Kilgore of Houston, Texas.
She is also survived by her son, Kyle Haines and his wife, Vickie, of Santa Fe, Texas; grandchildren Doug Haines and his wife, Hillary, great-grandchildren, Callia and Medsger; Lindsay Morris and her husband, Kris, and great-grandchildren, Lainey, Tatiana, Milo, and Huxley.
In accordance with Katie's wishes, no services will be held. If you wish, donations can be made in Katie's honor to her favorite charity, Meals on Wheels, Galveston.
Galveston Island Meals on Wheels
2803 53rd Street
Galveston, TX 77551
https://mealsonwheelsgalveston.org/donate
