Irene Marie Svatek

Irene Marie (Hubenak) Svatek, age 88, died on July 4, 2017 at 2:00 a.m. after an extended battle with cancer. Irene was born to Rudolph P. and Ludmila (Kutach) Hubenak on January 7, 1929, in El Campo, Texas. Irene was a member of St. Philip’s Catholic Church from birth until 1944. Irene grew up on the family farm in El Campo. She was the eldest and only girl in the family, and had 3 younger brothers, Daniel Hubenak, Lee Ray Hubenak, and Stanley Hubenak. From age 8 to 15, Irene worked hard on the family farm alongside her father. Life during this time was a matter of survival – it was the last of the Great Depression, and the beginning of World War II. The family moved to Wharton in 1944. Irene and family joined Holy Family Catholic Church. Irene made many close friends in Wharton through her church, the C.Y.O. and Wharton High School. She graduated from Wharton HS at age 16. At a church function and dance in May of 1945, Irene met the love of her life, Henry James Svatek. It was love at first sight. Henry was in the military and, after serving in Japan for 18 months, Irene and Henry married on October 6, 1947 in El Campo at St. Philips. This completed all of the sacraments for Irene at St. Philips Catholic Church. After marriage, Irene and Henry made their home in Wharton, and were active members of Holy Family. They built their lives around their church. Four children were born to this union: Teresa, Steven, Kathleen, and Dennis. Irene enjoyed her family and worked hard to be a good Mom. The children were enrolled in Holy Family Catholic School. Irene and Henry worked hard for the school and the nuns. After the school closed, Irene taught religion classes for 19 years. Irene participated and was involved in many aspects of the church, including the Holy Family Mother’s Club, the Altar Society, KJZT Lodge, the Holy Family Choir, and the Catholic Daughters of Americas Court 1990. Irene and Henry loved to dance - polkas and waltzes were their favorites. They also led many wedding marches for relatives over the years. She and Henry enjoyed playing dominos with friends, joining a “42” Domino Club. Irene had many other loves besides family, dancing and dominos. She loved cooking – the kitchen was the heart of her home. She also enjoyed traveling, working in the garden, fishing, and baking. She enjoyed holding garage sales and going to the casino. Her love of family made her the first to RSVP to family reunions, always encouraging her children to do the same. She loved when her children came to visit and gather for special occasions – Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter were favorites. Celebrating birthdays and trips to the beach were always a special event. She loved cold weather and snowfalls, and watching Wheel of Fortune was a part of her daily routine. Making artificial corsages for the CDA’s annual Mother’s Day outreach gave her great joy. Her creativity and resourcefulness were boundless. Her greatest love was her faith in the Lord, and the recitation of the daily rosary. In Wharton, Irene was employed by American National Insurance Company, Margie and Lee’s Youth Center, Joe Schwartz Co., and S. L. Miori Co. where she worked for 26 years. After retiring, she went back to work for Kid’s Korner for 10 years. Irene loved helping the elderly, volunteering for over 5 years at Elmcroft Assisted Living. In addition to her parents, those preceding her in death are her brother Dan Hubenak and wife Clara, Lee Ray and wife Ann, and Stanley Hubenak; and her step-granddaughter Krisha Rodavich of Austin. Survivors include sister-in-law Shirley Hubenak of Edna as well as her children, Teresa and Frank Nagy of Austin, Steven and Jan Svatek of Rockport, Kathy and Wes Jones of Wharton, and Dennis and Laura Svatek of El Paso. Surviving grandchildren include Kevin McConnell of Longmont, Colorado; Chase Springer of Prineville, Oregon; Jeffrey and wife, Stephanie Svatek of Houston; Jill and William Paulsen of Katy; Andrew Svatek of Atlanta, Georgia; Grace Svatek of Houston; and step granddaughter Kyndal Nagy of Houston. Irene was blessed with three great grandchildren – Hayes and Max Paulsen, and Tyler Svatek. Numerous loving nieces and nephews also survive. Irene was a woman of character and good judgement. Her loving heart, generosity and kindness were known by many. She never said “no” to a task that would serve her family and friends, and especially her church. If ever there was a problem, she would “place it in Jesus’ hands.” This was the source of her strength throughout her life and the rock on which she stood on during her battle with cancer. Irene’s treasured belief of living a good life was and always will be “Know, Love, and Serve God.” The family sends thanks and infinite love to Irene’s friends and extended family – too many to count – who supported and loved her all her life, especially during the last several years, following Henry’s death and during her fight with cancer. The family also wishes to express gratitude to Angels HHC, the staff of Czech Catholic Home, to IHP Hospice, and to her loving caregiver and friend, Erma Everline. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas, 77488 or IHP Hospice, 190 Abner Jackson Parkway, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566. Rosary service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Visitation is from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. The Rite of Committal and burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park. Luncheon to follow at Hungerford CCD building. Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left on their website at whartonfuneralhome.com .