Mary Ann (Girard) Mladenka

Mary Ann Mladenka, 93, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2020 in Prineville, Oregon. Her daughter, Linda, was by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 1:15 p.m., November 6, at American Heritage Funeral Home, led by Deacon Jim Nabor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church.  Procession and grave-site services will be conducted at the Houston National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive.  Reception will follow at the American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive.

Mary Ann was born in West, Texas to William Joe Girard and Julie Beseda on September 10, 1926. She married Joe Mladenka on February 22, 1952 in Houston, Texas.  She graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in 1949. She also obtained a bi-lingual degree in Spanish while living in Abilene. Her first teaching job was in Pearsall, Texas. She taught different grades in Houston, Sugar Land, Midland, and Abilene. She volunteered to teach catechism and was a den mother for the Cub Scouts.

Mary Ann was a very family-oriented individual, who emphasized the importance of an education and the value of reading. She was a giving person, with compassion and empathy, especially for the underdog.  While she enjoyed travel, she most appreciated the opportunity when it involved being around her family and friends.   When the grandkids were young, Mary Ann and Joe would host a three week summer camp at their summer house in Ruidoso, New Mexico; the entire family still shares fond memories of the many years of “Camp Mladenka”.   One of the key activities that Mary Ann loved to share was making her homemade bread, happy to say that the recipe will “live on” as this is still a favorite with her grandkids today.  She sought out opportunities to utilize her Spanish skills, while being a semi-professional when it came to working crossword puzzles.  Mary Ann was a loving mother and a devoted wife to Joe, and was a supporting figure when it came to his successful career in the Department of Public Safety.  

Mary Ann is survived by her sister Helen Pomykal and husband Bud of Rosebud,TX;  her daughter, Linda Dunn and husband Gary of Prineville, OR;  her sons: Mark Mladenka and wife Cindi of Midland, TX; Paul Mladenka and wife Brenda of Tomball, TX; David Mladenka and wife Sandy of Lakeway, TX.  Her grandchildren: Jennifer Mladenka (deceased), Madison Luikens, Michael Mladenka, Jeff Mladenka, Brittany Hill, Chelsea Platow, Colbey Griffin, Leanne Denault, Sarah West, and Steven Mladenka. Her great grandchildren: Journey and Rush Hill, Autumn Platow, Margot Mladenka, Nolan Denault and Jaxon West. She will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

MD Anderson Center

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers

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