Rita Jezek

Teta Rita Jezek, of Houston, formerly of West, passed away Wednesday morning, February 9, 2011 at Heartland in Houston where she had been under Hospice care for two weeks. She had been suffering from lung cancer. A rosary will be recited and Memorial Mass of Resurrection celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Rita was born March 5, 1939 in West, the daughter of Joe and Irene (Marak) Jezek. She graduated from St. Mary's and West High School. Rita lived briefly in Dallas and Costa Mesa, California before settling permanently in Houston. She worked for several years for Texaco's Safety Division finally retiring from Kroger where she had been an active member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. She was also active in political campaigns and elections in Houston. A love for history was also a big part of Rita's life. US history, Texas history and the history of Czech immigrants in Texas was something she loved. Passing on the Czech culture was of importance to Rita, and her pride in her Czech heritage was evident in many aspects of her life. Rita was a lover of animals and plants and spent numerous hours tending her yard in the Houston Heights as well as looking after the homeless cats and possums who found their way to her. Rita cared for her twin cats, Ancelet Polycarp and Basil Sassy who brought much joy and laughter to her life. She was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church in Houston. Rita is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Irene Jezek and sisters, Elizabeth and Phyllis. Survivors include a sister Susan Jezek Jones, nephews Christopher, Austin, and Nick Jones of Houston as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Citizens for Animal Protection, Star of Hope Mission in Houston, or the Houston Czech Museum.