Mary Ann Kristynik

Mary Ann Kostiha Kristynik, 99, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2023 at her home in Houston with her family at her bedside. Her vocation as a devoted wife, Mom and Grandmother was her greatest pleasure. Mary was born on April 6, 1924 to Joseph Martin Kostiha and Marie Ann Rostinská Kostiha, on her mother’s birthday. She was born in Joliet, Illinois where her family briefly lived. Her family returned to Thurber, Texas when she was six months old. A few years later when Mary was nine years old, they settled in Strawn, Texas.

Mary spoke of her childhood in Thurber and Strawn with only happy memories. She described herself as a tomboy who was most interested in outdoor fun. She enjoyed playing sports in school and prided herself on beating her older brothers in playful competitions.

Mary met the love of her life, Jerry, in Houston and they were married on August 17, 1952 in Strawn. They lived in Wichita, Kansas until they moved to Houston in 1955. Six years later Mary and Jerry moved to Spring Branch where they lived the rest of their lives. They have two children, Marianne and Jerome Jr. Faith was always Mary and Jerry’s foundation. They were charter parishioners of St. Jerome Catholic Church in 1961, attending Mass and participating in various ministries throughout the years. While the children were in school at St. Jerome, Mary drove them for an endless number of carpools and field trips, helped in room mother duties and attended all their school functions and athletic events. Being “Grandma” was Mary’s most treasured title. In addition to taking care of her grandchildren on weekdays, driving them to and from school and always cooking treats for them, she spoiled them and her two great grandchildren with attendance at their activities and concern for all their interests.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry, both of her parents, her brothers Joe, Frank, Walter, Steve, and her sisters Josephine Repal and Rose Pustejovsky. Mary is survived by her daughter Marianne Macejewski and husband Garry, her son Jerome Kristynik Jr. and wife Amy; grandchildren Paul Macejewski, Teresa Callegari and husband Michael, Stephanie Macejewski, Jeremy Kristynik and Emily Kristynik; great grandchildren Claire and Andrew Callegari; sister Angie Yordanoff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made in honor of Mary Kristynik to St. Jerome Catholic School Endowment.

“Children’s children are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their parentage.”

Proverbs 17:6