Mary Steffek Zwahr

MARY SOPHIE STEFFEK ZWAHR, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother and Sister died August 4th, 2010 in Needville at the age of 101. We grieve for our loss but are comforted by our belief that she is now resting in eternal peace. Mary was born on May 6, 1909 in Dubina, TX to John Steffek and Francis Skrovan Steffek. She was the eldest of 13 children. Mary and her family moved to the Needville area when she was a teenager, and she has resided here nearly 90 years. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul Zwahr; children Calvin Zwahr, Sr., Alphonse "Bibs" Zwahr and LaVerne Meyen; grandson David Meyen; siblings Christina Steffek, Edwin Steffek, Martha Schwettmann, Emil Steffek, Marcella Steffek, Victor Steffek, Cecilia Steffek, John Steffek, Jerry Steffek and Lorretta Whittington; daughter-in-law Janice Zwahr; and son-in-law Otto Lee Meyen. Mary is survived by her very close and extensive family including: Children Lawrence Zwahr and wife Allene, Mary Ann Bezecny and husband Conroy and daughter-in-law LaNelle Zwahr. Grandchildren Janet Baranowski Edward, Gary Zwahr Betty, Calvin Zwahr, Jr. Brenda, Darrel Zwahr Cynthia, Karen Gundermann Wayne, Cheryl Vitek Arthur, Dale Zwahr, Brian Zwahr, Dwayne Zwahr, Annette Prihoda Donnie, Connie Busch Daryl, Donna Zwahr, Dena Zwahr, Glen Zwahr Debbie, Craig Zwahr, Tracey Wittneben, Christopher Meyen Jennifer and Stephanie Dees Kevin. Great-grandchildren Christi Sebesta Jason, Matthew Baranowski Laura, Kayla Gundermann, Lynzie Zwahr Rogers, Taryn Baranowski, Katherine Novosad Heath, Dustin Vitek, Victoria Zwahr, LeeAnn Zwahr, Wayne Gundermann, Jr. Amanda Ambrose Matt, Robin Zwahr, Tiffany Zwahr, Danielle Prihoda, Megan Meyen, Brandy Curry, Colby Curry, Morgan Zwahr, Paige Prihoda, Justin Zwahr, Garrett Zwahr, Zachary Prihoda, Cody Zwahr, Katelyn Zwahr, Jace Meyen, Emily Wittneben, Mackenzie Dees, Riley Meyen and Avery Dees. Great-great grandchildren Brooke May, Colby Zwahr, Kaylee Gundermann, John Hardage Jr, Hayley Hardage, Madeline Baranowski, Taylor Rogers, Seiler Sebesta, Levi Baranowski and Reno Rogers. Sisters Alma Martin and Evelyn Skellie, sister-in-law Lillian Steffek and brothers-in-law, Ed Schwettmann and Dale Whittington. Mary loved children and raised five of her grandchildren after her son's death. For many years, she also babysat for countless youngsters in the Fairchild area which she thought of as her extended family. Mary had so much love to give, and she shared it with everyone she met. She was a wonderful cook, and kolaches were her specialty. A true matriarch of her family, she will be missed by us all. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 7, 2010 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Needville with Fr. Joseph Phan officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Catholic Church Cemetery in Needville. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Wake Service followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2010 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Her 9 grandsons will serve as pallbearers. For those wishing, memorial donations may be made in Mary's name to St. Michael's Catholic Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 95, Needville, Texas 77461. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family of Mary Zwahr at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

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Mary Steffek Zwahr

May 6, 1909 - August 4, 2010