Martha Fay McRae

January 20, 1964 - May 11, 2021

Martha lived her life to the fullest. She was a geologist who not only worked for some of the world's largest oil and gas companies, but who also volunteered countless hours to inspire young people to learn about and appreciate the field of science.

She was deeply devoted to the advancement of geology, having served for 10 years as chair of the Houston Geological Society’s Earth Science Week, and 11 years as an American Geological Institute educational science lobbyist. Additionally, she volunteered at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, serving for 13 years as a geoscience docent.

Her fascination with this wonderful planet, and its rock formations, was equally matched by her love for the plants and animals that inhabit it.

Martha was a Texas Master Gardener, specifically a Highland Lakes Master Gardener, and received a certificate in Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes from the Native Plant Society of Texas. She created and nurtured a native plant sanctuary on her Lake Travis property near Austin.

She also was deeply devoted to animal rescue and protection efforts, with a particular interest in fostering Italian Greyhounds. She had adopted and cared for a number of rescued greyhounds, providing them with a loving home for the remainder of their lives. She also became an ardent birdwatcher and observer of wildlife in general - spending time on her back porch witnessing their activities and hearing their "voices," and sharing these experiences with others.

Martha loved to travel, with her adventurous spirit taking her to fascinating areas around the world – including Alaska, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Scotland, Columbia, and the Galapagos Islands to name a few. When not traveling, she explored the world through books - amassing an impressive collection that reflected her many interests.

Most of all, she loved the company of her family and friends, frequently hosting gatherings at her home for those nearby and others traveling from out of town. She was also active in Bible studies and a variety of book and garden clubs, and enjoyed playing dominoes with her neighbors.

As she so loved this wonderful world, we will forever love and miss her. She taught us through example "to do what you love, and love what you do."

Martha was preceded in death by her mother, Fay Berkleyine Slagle McRae. She is survived by her father, William D. McRae of Dallas; her sister Margaret McRae Ottmann (Class of 1973) and her husband Jeff of Cypress; her brother Steven McRae (Class of 1975) and his wife Loretta of Cold Spring; her sister Hazel Leigh McRae of Leander; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 1200 S. Bagdad Road, Leander, TX, 78641. For those who cannot attend in-person, a Facebook Live of the memorial service will be available to view. To access the livestream, please visit the Weed Corley Fish Leander Facebook page and like the page. At approximately 10:55 a.m. we will begin the livestream and it will be visible on the page for you to watch live.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathies consider making a donation in honor of Martha to the dog rescue organization of their choice.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/leander-tx/martha-mcrae-10189521

We are sad to announce that on May 11, 2021, at the age of 57, Martha Fay McRae (Leander, Texas) passed away. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by : her mother Fay Berkleyine Slagle McRae. She is survived by : her father William D. McRae of Dallas; and her siblings, Margaret Ottmann (Jeff) of Cypress, Steven McRae (Loretta) of Cold Spring and Hazel Leigh McRae of Leander. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 1st 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home (1200 S Bagdad Rd, Leander, TX 78641).

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathies consider making a donation in honor of Martha to the dog rescue organization of their choice.

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/tx/leander/martha-fay-mcrae-12732542