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- Obituary:
Grace Anders Skrivanek, 94, of Caldwell (the greater Cooks Point Community), passed away Saturday, November 13, 2010 in Bryan, Texas. Graveside services are set for Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., at the New Tabor Brethren Church Cemetery, under the care and direction of Strickland Funeral Home of Caldwell. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 2010, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
She was born March 23, 1916, in San Antonio, Texas to Noah Anders and Hattie (Montour) Anders. She grew up in Texas and Alabama, graduating from high school in Houston. She graduated from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos.
She began her career as an elementary teacher in East Bernard, and continued in Rosenberg, College Station and Bryan, where she retired after 32 years. She met her husband, Joseph John Skrivanek, Jr. when he was a high school band director. He was High School Principal at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station, junior high band director in Bryan, and later retired from the Modern Language Department at Texas A&M University. Their over 50 year marriage ended with his death in 1991.
One of her greatest joys was seeing the children she taught realize their potential. She said she sometimes got the "problem" students. When she asked the principal why, he said they belong with the "problem" teacher. This meant her way of relating to each child, in thinking outside the box before that term became popular, allowed her to reach the children she did. Seeing them become successful adults was truly a joy to her.
She had a great love for music. She played the piano and occasionally helped out various churches and organizations. She was active in community affairs and organizations. One was the Czech Education Foundation of Texas. Founded by her husband, his twin brother and others, it has created and funded academic chairs at Texas A&M, the University of Texas and North Texas which represent nearly $4 million. She was honored to have been the first woman president of this statewide organization. Another highlight was her selection as Queen of the annual Kolache Festival in Caldwell. A widow at the time, her selection was the first time an individual and not a couple was honored at this popular event. Her hobbies included reading, traveling to Europe, enjoying country living on the cattle ranch, plus her cat "Pootie", enjoying her granddaughters and her great grandson and extended family. She was a longtime member of the A&M United Methodist Church in College Station, the Eastern Star and Retired Teachers Association.
Her parents preceded her in death as well as her husband, one son-Thomas Anders Skrivanek, additionally, her sister; Billie B. Kirchner, seven brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, two nephews and one niece.
She is survived by her son Joseph John Skrivanek, III (Joey) and his wife, Susan, granddaughters, Sarah Cadan and husband Craig and great grandson Dillan and Anne Mashek and husband Chris. She is also survived by sisters-in-law; Faustine Skrivanek of Ennis and Jodie Skrivanek of Bryan, plus numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
On behalf of her family, we deeply appreciate the care of St. Joseph Hospital, The Manor and Christus Dubuis-acute care doctors, nurses and staff for the true caring and expressions of concern. You all made her last days so much more comfortable. She was fortunate to live life to the fullest until her hospitalization. She knew her doctors and nurses and shared such a good relationship with each of you.
Many have referred to her as "Amazing Grace". This is not a title she liked-it embarrassed her and even caused her to not want the song to be a part of any service. But, the phrase truly fit her. Her passion for life, the continued search for learning-reading, travel, of making lives better of being so mentally active at her age and so much more. Her life was truly an amazing story-a part of the American Dream. Her family thanks all who were a part of her life!
The family suggests memorials be made to the Czech Education Foundation of Texas at: Attn: Paul Hlavinka, 2044 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas 77005, or the Cooks Point Community Center, FM 1362 S., Caldwell, Texas 77836.
Please leave condolences for the family at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com
(Published in The Bryan-College Station Eagle from November 15 to November 16, 2010)
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1916 - 2010 (94 years)
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