Evelyn L Alexander

Evelyn Lillian Alexander, 99, passed away peacefully at her home on March 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in prayer and song. Born on August 3, 1925, in Bremond, Texas, Evelyn was the only child of Josie Yanowski Grudziecki and Ben Harry Grudziecki. Evelyn’s family was the biggest love of her life and her children, their spouses, her precious grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her much joy and happiness throughout her life, and much comfort and strength during these last difficult months.

Evelyn lost her beloved husband, Steve, on December 12, 1968. She is survived by her devoted children and their partners: Steve Jr. (Linda), Ramona Gabler (husband Ronnie passed away in 2023), Jeanette Garry (Bob), Patrick (Debbie), and Benny (Laurie). Her loving grandchildren: Jason (Maire), Kelly Gabler (Joseph), Christopher Gabler (Jennifer), Rebecca Gabler Campbell (Erin), Stefanie Garry (Phil), Katherine Garry, Courtney Garry (J.T.), Megan (Clay), Timothy, Kyle (Emily), Joel, Jake, Tyler, and Ryan; and precious great-grandchildren: Ronan, Kenley, Sander, Evelyn, Amelia, Dominic, Daniel, Abigail, and Alexander.

Evelyn grew up in Bremond, Texas, a close-knit farming community of Polish Catholic immigrants. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School and Bremond High School where she graduated salutatorian of her class. She met her future husband, Steve Alexander, in Bremond before he went into the Army to serve in WWII. They were married in Bremond on February 29, 1946. Evelyn and Steve moved to Houston where they raised their loving family of five children. They made sure each received a strong foundation in their Catholic faith and attended Catholic schools.

Evelyn nurtured her devout faith and devotion to service as a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Houston. She was a housekeeper, cook, and receptionist for the parish priests. She worked tirelessly as Altar Society president, sewing and laundering altar linens and preparing altar flowers. Years later Evelyn would continue this ministry at St. Justin Martyr Parish where she was a member for 38 years. Evelyn was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas for more than 65 years.

Evelyn’s kitchen can certainly be remembered as the center of her home. An avid cook and baker, her homemade cookies, pies, cakes, and holiday meals were enjoyed by all. Pecan pies were a specialty and she always baked her family’s favorite meals and desserts. Some of her most famous dishes included Polish golumpki, pierogi, chicken soup with homemade kluski, and her lasagna (which was the envy of many of her friends). Her culinary legacy will live on as she shared her recipes and techniques with her family and friends. We always knew her secret ingredient was love.

Evelyn was a devoted lover of animals and there was never a shortage of furry creatures at her house. She instilled this example into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No one can forget her beloved dogs Ripper, Candy, Brownie, and Bacchus, and her favorite cat Priscilla. She entertained so many of the children she cared for with her hedgehog Pookie. Evelyn enjoyed caring for the many fish in her aquarium.

Roses, hydrangeas, Christmas cactuses, orchids, ivy, and kalanchoes were just a few of her many favorite plants. She had a true green thumb. You could give her a cutting, a seed, or a branch and Evelyn could make it grow. Her house was filled with flowers and her yard was often Yard of the Month. Another passion was sewing. She enjoyed sewing clothing for her family and did crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, needlepoint, and quilting.

Evelyn was a caregiver extraordinaire. She took care of her grandchildren at various times in their early years and then her great-grandchildren. Everyone called her Busia (Polish for grandmother) or Boo and Babusia (great-grandmother). She was even Busia to the many neighborhood children for whom she cared. She was also employed at E.L. Sauer and Sons for many years. Evelyn was very civic minded and served as a Harris County volunteer election official.

Evelyn had a great sense of adventure, even though she never had a driver’s license. She walked and took the bus and was a strong proponent of public transportation. She had the great distinction of watching her children and grandchildren graduate from college and graduate programs from more than 16 different schools. She had the opportunity to travel across the United States to visit her family and travel with them. Many of those trips included visits to historic lighthouses. One of her most memorable trips was to Europe, where she met Pope St. John Paul II and visited her family’s home country of Poland.

Evelyn was a strong, courageous woman, having faced numerous health crises. A breast cancer survivor of 26 years, she did not allow chemo or radiation to dampen her spirit. She suffered a broken hip at age 93, and her mobility began to wane, but her tenacity remained throughout her lengthy rehabilitation and therapy. Alzheimer’s complications during her last few years were some of her toughest battles, but she fought these with the constant help and care of her loving family. She continued to persevere with the same grace, strength, and devout faith we all knew and admired. She was always a shining example and inspiration to everyone she met.

Her heart knew no limits. Anyone who saw her smile and felt the warmth of her hugs knew she was the reflection of God’s love. She set the example for all of us to follow. She was our role model. Evelyn may have passed on from this earthly life, but her wit, charm, wisdom, recipes, empathy, and love will remain in our hearts forever.