Matilda V. Bubela

Matilda V. Bubela, age 89, passed away on April 2, 2012 and went to be with her Heavenly Father. Matilda was born in Columbus, Texas on January 28, 1923, to John and Albina Urban and was the youngest of five children. She married Jerome V. Bubela on August 14, 1943. Jerry was in the service when they married and after his discharge, they spent the first few years of their marriage farming in Fayette County, Texas. They moved to Houston in 1952 and built a home in the Houston Heights.

Although never having children of their own, Matilda and Jerry had numerous nieces and nephews and were godparents to many of them. They were founding members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and supported their church community in many ways throughout their lives. Matilda was especially proud of their contribution of the baptismal font located at the front entrance of the church. Her religion and her church were always foremost in her heart and although she was not able to attend church services in the last few years, anyone visiting her would always see a rosary near her, if not in her hands. She enjoyed friendships with many of the priests of her church and always remembered their birthdays and anniversaries of ordination and other special days.

Anyone who visited Matilda often would tell you she loved cats. Her home was filled with pictures of cats, cat knickknacks, stuffed cats, and for most of her life, her cat friends. She treasured them especially after Jerry passed away, and treated them like family. Something else you would notice about Matilda was that you seldom left her house without a “doggie Bag”. She would give candy to people who visited or brought her meals, or took her for doctor’s visits, or bought her groceries. You never went away unappreciated. She truly had a kind and generous heart.

Matilda is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry; her brothers, John Urban of Ellinger, Texas and Steve Urban of La Grange, Texas and her sisters, Clara Chovanec of Columbus, Texas and Albina Sralla of Houston, Texas. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from Five o’clock to Eight o’clock in the evening, with the rosary being recited at Seven o’clock, at the chapel of Pat H. Foley & Co. The funeral mass will be held at Ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman, Houston, 77018. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers or usual remembrances, memorial contributions in Matilda’s name may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, either to the Food Pantry or the general fund.