Gertrude Koteras Zawacki

Gertie (Gertrude) Koteras Zawacki, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on May 29, 2022. Gertie was born on June 12, 1925 in Chappell Hill, Texas as the youngest of nine children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Herman (Harry) Zawacki, her eight brothers and sisters, and her parents Steve and Wanda Koteras.

She is survived by her four children Marilyn Zientek and husband Mike, Tina Button, Marie Goodrum, and Herman Zawacki Jr and wife Renee, her ten grandchildren Jason, Brittany, Tiffany, Lisa, Allison, Kinsey, Leah, Daniel, Karli, Trevor, and her 13 great grandchildren.

Gertie spent her childhood in Chappell Hill, Texas. Some of her fondest memories were going to the 4th of July barbeques, dances, and different church functions. After graduating from Brenham High School, she moved to Houston during World War II and worked in packing for Specialty Company. After the war she went to IBM school and worked for Pioneer Insurance Company as a key punch operator. On November 16, 1946 she married her sweetheart Harry Zawacki at St. Stanislaus Church in Chappell Hill, Texas and eventually became a full time mother and housewife. In her adult life she enjoyed baking, sewing, dancing, and collecting salt and pepper shakers. Her children especially remember she loved canning with pickles and jams being her favorite.

Gertie was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church since 1950 and was a devoted Christian. She was a member of the Alter Guild, Thursday Club, Polish Progressive Club, and volunteered at West Janish Health Care Center for many years.

Gertie dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially during the holidays. Getting to see her grandkids and great grandkids would make her face light up. Her memory will always be in our hearts.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 6, 2022 from 6-8pm with a Rosary recited at 7 pm at Pat H. Foley & Co. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 11am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman St. Houston, TX 77018. Her interment will be at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery with her committal service at 2pm.