Mary Dornak Vacek

Marie Dornak Vacek June 26, 1928 – December 22, 2018   Marie Dornak Vacek, age 90, died peacefully on December 22, 2018 at Elmcroft Senior Living in Wharton, Texas. Marie was born on June 26, 1928 to Michael Dornak and Otillie Winklarek Dornak in Beasley, Texas. After graduating from Beasley High School, Marie moved to East Bernard and worked for Marik Insurance Agency until her marriage to Alphonse Vacek in 1948.   She was a lifelong member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Some 20 years later after staying home to raise her 2 children, Marie returned to Marik Insurance Agency/East Bernard Tribune where she remained until her retirement in 1992. During those 20 years Marie came to be known as the “Tribune Lady”, tending to the weekly local newspaper in addition to preparing tax returns and other duties associated with the insurance agency. After retirement, Marie could always be spotted on her daily four mile walk about town and enjoyed chatting with folks about the benefits of exercise whether it be at the bank, post office, drugstore or church rectory. Marie’s greatest joy in life was caring for her family and took great pride in always having a delicious meal ready and waiting, no matter the time of day or night. Marie is preceded in death by her dear husband of 68 years Alphonse Vacek; sisters, Agnes Dornak and Tillie Dornak Leick and brother Michael Dornak. Marie is survived by son, Don Vacek and wife Ann of McAllen TX;  daughter June and husband Matt Harriss of Austin, TX;  grandson Alex Vacek of McAllen TX; granddaughter Robin and husband Billy Balmer of Boston MA and numerous great great great nieces and nephews. The Vacek family would like to give special thanks to members of our extended family, Mary and Miriam Taylor for their love and patience as they cared for both Marie and Alphonse over the last three years. Also many thanks to the Elmcroft of Wharton community for always providing a warm and joyful environment for the entire Vacek family over the past four years. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard beginning at 12pm followed by a rosary at 1:30pm. The funeral mass will begin at 2pm followed by burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard or Houston Hospice of El Campo.