Henrietta Cecilia Vaclavik, 91, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021. Mrs. Vaclavik was born November 2, 1929 in Houston, Texas. Throughout her life, three values were central to Henrietta – faith, family and selfless service. Henrietta was not one to put herself in the center of any occasion or story. Her smile and warmth made her a great spouse, a wonderful mother and a treasured co-worker. Born at under 2 lbs 14 oz., and incubated in a shoe box over warmed bricks, Henrietta had a will to live and a readiness to bear hardship that were evident to all who saw her in her later years of illness. Though bedbound for five years, never a complaint was heard from her lips. In place of complaints, there was the gentle smile, the warm laugh and the twinkling eye of one who knew the meaning of love and the promise of her Savior.
Henrietta’s marriage to her husband, Charles Vaclavik was proof of her commitment to marriage, family and love. Celebrated on the night before her death, Henrietta and Charles celebrated 72-years of marriage. Henrietta’s and Charles four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of her life.
At the same time, Henrietta belonged to a larger family -- the Catholic Church and in particular, St. Theresa parish in Memorial Park – both of which she treasured. For 62 years, Henrietta was a member of St. Theresa and was involved in so many different ways in the ages of her life until retirement. From working in the St. Theresa Social Service office, to assisting as Eucharistic Minister to being a member of the Home and School Association Board to serving funnel cakes and hot dogs at the parish bazaar, Henrietta’s love of Christ was evident in her quiet, joyful, witness and service.
Henrietta attended Eugene Field Elementary School, Alexander Hamilton Junior High, John H. Reagan High School and Massey Business College. She worked over her life at Lester Goodson Pontiac. For a time she was a co-owner of All Occasions Catering assisting literally hundreds of newlyweds to celebrate their happiest day. Eventually, she worked in many roles at Budget Sporting Goods where she became a mother figure in this growing company.
With Charles, friends and family, Henrietta enjoyed travel across the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, and the Czech Republic, to name a few destinations.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry L. and Cecilia Yarbrough. She is survived by her husband of 72-years, Charles E. Vaclavik, daughter and husband Susan and Dave Fredericksen, and sons Terry Vaclavik, Deacon Larry and wife Liz Vaclavik and Robert Vaclavik, nine grandchildren - Alex Vaclavik, Jude Vaclavik, Max Vaclavik, Kateri Vaclavik, Linsey Fredericksen, Sean Fredericksen, Derrick Vaclavik, Travis Vaclavik and Austin Vaclavik and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors, Wednesday, June 9, 5 – 8 pm with a vigil/rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral is scheduled for Thursday, 9:30 am at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell Street, Houston, TX, 77007. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. View the full obituary at the Heights Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St., Houston, TX 77007.
