Waco Matriarch Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen Dies at 88

Devoted member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church and community leader passes away surrounded by family

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:38pm

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An extremely blurred, out-of-focus photograph depicting the warm, soft glow of candlelight and floral arrangements in a church interior, conveying a sense of reverence and community.The vibrant, spiritual atmosphere of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, where Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen was a devoted member for decades, is captured in a dreamlike, impressionistic photograph.Waco Today

Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen, a lifelong resident of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. She was a devoted member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, where she served in many roles, and was actively involved in the Junior League of Waco. Margie was also a successful businesswoman, running several companies after the deaths of her first husband Clyde Rudolph 'Rudy' Grossenbacher and her mother. She later remarried to Harris B. Allen and continued to travel the world. Margie was remembered as a matriarch who exemplified beauty, grace, faith, and generosity.

Why it matters

Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen was a pillar of the Waco community, known for her unwavering faith, community service, and business acumen. Her passing marks the end of an era for St. Alban's Episcopal Church, where she was one of the original founding members, as well as the local Waco community that she served for decades.

The details

Margie was born in Waco in 1937 to Winifred Smith Hackbarth and Harlan Hackbarth. Her family owned the Smith Building Company, a prominent local construction firm. Margie was a devoted member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, serving in many roles including as the province VII president for the Episcopal Church Women. She married Clyde Rudolph 'Rudy' Grossenbacher in 1955 and they had two daughters, Rose Elise and Gay Winnifred. After Rudy's death in 1989, Margie took over running several family businesses. In 1993, she remarried to Harris B. Allen, expanding her family to include a third daughter, Claire Allen Moore. Margie and Harris traveled extensively, visiting every continent except Antarctica by the end of her life.

  • Margie was born in Waco in 1937.
  • Margie married Clyde Rudolph 'Rudy' Grossenbacher on December 17, 1955.
  • Rudy Grossenbacher passed away in June 1989.
  • Margie remarried to Harris B. Allen on February 14, 1993.
  • Margie passed away peacefully at her home on April 6, 2026, at the age of 88.

The players

Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen

A lifelong resident of Waco, Texas, who was a devoted member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, successful businesswoman, and community leader.

Clyde Rudolph 'Rudy' Grossenbacher

Margie's first husband, whom she married in 1955 and had two daughters with.

Harris B. Allen

Margie's second husband, whom she married in 1993 and expanded her family to include a third daughter.

St. Alban's Episcopal Church

The church in Waco where Margie was a founding member and devoted servant for decades.

Junior League of Waco

The community organization that Margie was actively involved with over the years.

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What’s next

A visitation will be held at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey on Monday, April 6 from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at St. Alban's Episcopal Church on Tuesday, April 7, at 10:00 AM.

The takeaway

Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen's life exemplified the values of faith, community service, and perseverance that defined the Waco community she was a part of for over 88 years. Her passing marks the end of an era for St. Alban's Episcopal Church and the broader Waco region that she helped shape through her unwavering dedication and leadership.