Katharine Lea Chau

Katharine Lea Chau, 52, of Odessa, Texas, died of fatal injuries on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

She was born in Odessa in 1971 to Dorothy Martinez. She spent her childhood going to school and growing up in League City, Houston, and Odessa, Texas with her mother Dorothy, stepfather Ray, and sisters Susan and Elizabeth.

Katharine met the love of her life, Timmy Chau in 1988 through a mutual friend. It only took 3 months to know they were meant to be together forever. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married August 22, 1988. Soon after, they had four children who were loved unconditionally: Kayla Bell, Ryan Chau, Nicole Sorensen, and Brandon Chau. Their world eventually grew with the addition of their children's spouses and grandchildren: Bobby Bell and Felix Bell, Brian Sorensen and Oliver, Gwendolyn, Walter, and Vincent Sorensen. 

Though she loved smoking, conversing with others, shopping, and sitting at her computer or on the porch during thunderstorms, Katharine’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Nana and Grandma, never failing to spoil them and loving them fiercely no matter what. We will always miss her visits, phone calls, and messages filled with love.

Katharine will always be remembered for being a mother to everyone around her, her fiery personality, and her love to laugh. She was a rock for so many and championed the meek or mild. We couldn’t have asked for a better parent, grandparent, daughter, sister, or friend and will miss Katharine every day.

Katharine was a very spirited and fiery woman who loved just as hard as her language was strong. So many will forever cherish her laugh and the moments she picked on them to show you she cared. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Katharine is preceded in death by her grandmother, Dorothy Walker; stepfather, Ray Martinez; mother-in-law, Beverly Chau; sister, Susan Bonkrude; and two grandchildren.

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Martinez; father-in-law, Bobby Joe Chau; sister, Elizabeth Gonzalez; husband, Timmy Chau; children, Kayla and Bobby Bell, Ryan Chau, Nicole and Brian Sorensen, Brandon Chau; and grandchildren Felix Bell, Oliver, Gwendolyn, Walter, and Vincent Sorensen.