Bitsy Severson

Bitsy Severson was born Mary Katherine Eshelman on March 7, 1935, to Howard Claire and Lola Dykes Eshelman. Her older sister Carol described her new sister as “itsy bitsy”. Two more siblings followed, Diana and David. Her stories about growing up in Lafayette in south Louisiana were quite enjoyable. She loved to admit she cut the hair off one of Carol’s dolls, and they would chase each other with a broom and a mop when angry until they fell on the floor laughing, unable to recall what started the tiff.

Bitsy was born in Lafayette, Louisiana where she attended what was then Louisiana State University (and is now the University of Louisiana Lafayette). She pledged Tri Sigma Sorority, was active in the Baptist Student Union, and marched with the Red Jackets cheer group.

Bitsy was a born teacher and taught elementary science in Franklin, Louisiana. Her sister Carol encouraged her to join the Red Cross. She was a social worker at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. While working on Oahu, she met the love of her life Paul Severson, a US Navy Captain. They married there February of 1962. His career in the Navy took them to California then France. They enjoyed three years in Europe that included a state dinner with Princess Grace of Monaco.

While in France, they started their family with their son, Jon. Beautiful Susan joined their family three years later. Bitsy and Paul reveled in being parents. And were thrilled to become grandparents and great-grandparents.

After Paul’s service in the Navy, they lived in New Jersey with their young family and a dear dog, Boodle. Thereafter they moved to Houston where Bitsy taught middle school science for 20+ years.

Bitsy had many hobbies including raising champion Scottish Terriers and singing. She sang with the Acapella Decibelles until Bitsy and Paul moved to Ella Springs Assisted Living in 2019.

Bitsy’s laugh was infectious, and everyone felt welcome in her presence. She will be deeply missed by her children, Jon and Susan, Jon’s sons, Aven and Casen. Susan and her husband Rex have two children, Austin and Kennedy. Austin is the only one married of her four grandchildren. He is married to the lovely Tess. Austin and Tess have one son, Theo. He is the only great grandchild of Bitsy and Paul.

Bitsy is survived by her sister Diana, her husband, Chuck, and son, Don. Bitsy’s brother’s widow Kerry Eshelman and her daughter Lauren and grandchildren, Ethan, Christopher, and Madison. Bitsy is also survived by her sister Carol’s three children, Brian, Tim, and Katherine Huestis, and their four sons.

The graveside service will take place at 9:45 AM on Friday, September 29, 2023 in Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. We will be in Lane 2 and can begin lining up at 9:30 AM. There will be signs upon entry that will guide the attendants.