Katharine Chau

Hello, my name is Kayla Bell and I am creating a GoFundMe in honor of my mother, Katharine Chau, and to aid in covering medical expenses and funeral costs. If you would prefer to use Venmo to avoid transaction fees, you may send them to me at https://venmo.com/u/KaChau252

Katharine had a severe stroke while driving and was involved in a major automotive accident involving several vehicles. Always a fighter, she fought hard in the ICU with paralysis from the stroke, many broken and fractured bones, a collapsed lung, brain damage and so much trauma. After several long days and many ups and downs, she finally succumbed to her injuries on September 23, 2023. We are so very thankful she is no longer suffering in pain or from illness, tremors, or seizures. Thank you Lord.

Katharine 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 plus one on the way, Brian Sorensen and Oliver, Gwendolyn, Walter, and Vincent Sorensen. 

Though she loved smoking, conversing with others, 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 love them fiercely no matter what. We will always miss her hugs, kisses, visits, phone calls and messages filled with love.

Katharine will always be remembered for her strong language, her fiery personality, and her love to laugh. If you knew her well, you knew she didn't curse, she spoke "fluent trucker, with a sailor dialect and a construction accent"; just as she had once posted on her Facebook. She was a rock for so many and wasn't afraid to champion the meek or mild.

Throughout her lifetime, she touched the lives of so many in one way or another. Many looked to Katharine as a motherly-figure, even if she did not always want it. Friends, family, and students always came to her for guidance, honest opinions, and good laughs anytime you spoke to her, especially while she worked for the OC Student Housing or when her kids were in school and their friends would come around or call. She loved those days and was very sad when her health began to decline and her seizures began to dominate her life. She was so very strong and independent; she hated to ask for help. Unfortunately, we need your help today in covering the medical and funeral costs if you are able to give. We could not have asked for a better parent, grandparent, daughter, sister, or friend and will miss Katharine every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. 

Katharine was preceded in death by her grandmother, Dorothy Walker; step-father, 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.

Services will be held at 9:00am Friday September 29, 2023, and flowers may be sent to

Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home

6801 East Business 20

Odessa, Texas 79762

God bless you.