Mary Kathleen Hayes Jander, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on July 20, 2025, in Lumberton, Texas, at the age of 73. Born on September 10, 1951, in Beaumont, Texas, Kathleen was a vibrant spirit whose love for life resonated in all she did.
A Celebration of Life Memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, August 16th, from 1-4pm, at the Lumberton MUD Event room at 625 FM421 in Lumberton. All friends and family are invited to come together and celebrate Kathleen’s life by sharing memories and stories.
Kathleen grew up in Port Neches and attended Nederland schools, culminating in her graduation from Nederland High School in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she married in 1970, embarking on a journey of family, love, and community. She raised two sons, Glenn “Ray” Tidwell and Joseph “Joe” Adam Tidwell, both of whom she held dear. She took immense pride in her grandchildren, Sarah, Emma, Salina, and Ian, often seen beaming with joy as she proudly shared stories about them.
Throughout her working career, Kathleen displayed a remarkable versatility and dedication, holding positions as a teller at various banks and credit unions, and later coordinating regional teams for the telephone company, delivering the "Yellow Pages" to communities across Southeast Texas. Her life took her took her from Mid-county, to LaGrange, back to Mid-county and then to Fredericksburg, before she moved to Sour Lake, where she spent the past eight years of her life.
Kathleen was known for her vivacity and larger-than-life presence, possessing an innate ability to connect with people effortlessly. To her family and friends, she was a source of unwavering support and joy, always creating bonds within every community she became part of. With an infectious spirit, she was the person who could light up a room and make any gathering memorable. In every stage of her life, she would find her people and create community. She was vivacious and lived proudly. In the best way possible, you always knew she was there with you, and at 4 am, one Sunday morning, a little lady was ringing a cowbell as she entered the pearly gates on her way into Heaven!
Kathleen is survived by her sons, Glenn “Ray” Tidwell and his spouse Lisa, and Joseph “Joe” Adam Tidwell and his spouse Anna. Her love shines brightly in her grandchildren: Sarah, Emma, Salina, and Ian. Also mourning her loss are her brothers, Paul Hayes and Pat Hayes, as well as several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces/nephews who adored her.
Her legacy is lovingly remembered in the hearts of those she touched, and her absence will be deeply felt by family and friends alike. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Glenn and Floy Marie (Tevis) Hayes; her sister, Cheryl Hayes; and her brother, James Hayes.
As we remember Mary Kathleen Jander, we honor a life well-lived, filled with warmth, laughter, and love—a true testament to the joy she brought into the lives of those around her. She will be missed but forever celebrated.