Norma Grace Clary Svrcek

Born May 28th, 1927 in Bristolville, Ohio to William and Norma Clary, she was the youngest of six siblings. Grace or “Mama”, as we knew her, grew up during the Great Depression. She often spoke of having to work very hard, even as a young child, to help her family get through those hard times.

During World War II she left her childhood home to take a job in California at a factory that made light bulbs for warships. It was during this time, that she met her husband, Charlie Daniel Svrcek. Together they formed a bond that lasted 61 years.

Following Charlie’s service in the Navy, they returned to Texas, ultimately settling in Galveston, where she cared for her family for the next 40 years. While in Galveston, Grace and Charlie built a home, by themselves, at 56th and R, and still found time to support many of the island’s Catholic Churches and schools. These included Ursuline Academy, Kirwin and O’Connell High, and Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Patrick’s. You would often find Mama working in the cafeteria, or planning and working at most of the “Bazaar” fundraisers for these schools. Of particular note, was her work with designing and making many of the gowns and trains that were used for O’Connell High’s “Treasure Ball” fundraisers.

Left to treasure her memories are her husband Charlie Svrcek of Bryan, Texas, daughter Lynne Matous and husband Don, also of Bryan, son Danny Svrcek and wife Laura of Santa Fe, Texas, daughter Peggy Svrcek of Kasilof, Alaska, and son Jamie Svrcek also of Santa Fe, Texas. Also missing “Grandmother” will be granddaughter Danielle Reagan and husband Mike of Manchester, Tennessee, granddaughter Morgan Svrcek and grandson Evan Svrcek of Santa Fe, Texas, and great grandchildren Crystal, Ashley, and Benji of Manchester, Tennessee.

There to meet Grace in heaven are her parents, William and Norma, her sisters Margaret, Georgia, and Dorothy, and her brothers John and Vaughn. Also there to greet her are numerous friends including “Doody” Broom, Babe Fabj, and Isabelle Parr.

Mama will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose love and generosity knew no bounds.

Services will be held at the Condra Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas, commencing with a rosary on Friday, August 6th at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor, Texas at 10 am on Saturday, August 7th.