Hildur Satre-Brees

Sept. 30, 2018

Hildur Satre-Brees (née Thronson) passed away on Sept. 30, 2018, at Sagebrook Health Center in Cedar Park, Texas, after a long battle with dementia. She was 79.

Hildur Thronson was born on March 1, 1939, in Canby to Thilman and Josephine Thronson. She graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., with a degree in English in 1961, marrying Thomas Satre that same year. Hildur and Tom had two children, Brian (b. 1963) and Kristin (b. 1967).

Throughout her life, Hildur was a dedicated and accomplished musician and choral conductor with an extensive repertoire in sacred music. During the Satres’ residences in Claremont, Calif., Peoria, Ill., and Huntsville, Texas, Hildur served as organist and director of music in multiple Lutheran and Presbyterian churches. After divorcing, Hildur lived primarily in Bryan, Texas, where she continued to serve as organist and music director at First Presbyterian Church. In addition to church music leadership, she sang in the Brazos Valley Chorale, taught piano and organ students of all ages and accompanied her children and friends in their school musical pursuits. Inspiring capability and joy in others though music was her life’s passion.

In 1997, Hildur married Jay Brees; they resided in College Station, Texas, and Cedar Park, Texas. Hildur retired in 1999 and dedicated her remaining time to traveling with her husband, supporting organizations and causes important to her and nurturing her grandchildren.

Hildur Satre-Brees is survived by her husband, Jay Brees of Cedar Park, Texas; her daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Erik Anderson of Ft. Worth, Texas; her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Norah Satre of Batavia, Ill.; her sister, Linda Ost of Montevideo; her step-daughter and step-son-in-law Janna Brees and Ian Lack of San Antonio, Texas; and four grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by Thomas Satre.

A memorial will take place at 11 a.m. Oct. 27 at University Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Hildur’s life. In lieu of flowers, contributions to any of the following organizations are appreciated: University Presbyterian Church Music Program, 2203 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78705; Brazos Valley Chorale, P.O. Box 10644, College Station, TX 77842; First Presbyterian Church Music Program, 1100 Carter Creek Parkway, Bryan, TX 77802; Phoebe’s Home, c/o Twin City Mission, 2505 S. College Ave.,

Bryan, TX 77801.