Mildred was raised in Louise, where she was the ninth of eleven children. She graduated from Louise High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter, met Victor (Vic) Chovanec of El Campo. After a two-year courtship by mail while Vic served in England with the U.S. Air Force, they married in Louise on February 10, 1954. That same year, they moved to Victoria so Vic could work as an operator at Union Carbide. They raised their two sons, Darrel and Mark, in Victoria and were active members of Our Lady of Victory Cathedral.
Mildred was a devoted mother and grandmother, and her family cherishes memories of attending church festivals, sightseeing, and playing games with her. Mildred worked at JCPenney in Victoria for over 20 years. After retiring, Mildred and Vic enjoyed traveling, visiting friends and relatives, playing cards and dominos, and attending church activities. In their later years, they loved having coffee together and going out to dinner—especially when fried chicken was on the menu.
She is survived by her sons, Darrel (Naomi) Chovanec and Mark (Lisa) Chovanec; grandchildren, Candice (Billy) Melzow, Clint (Laura) Chovanec, Jordan (Monica) Chovanec and Tyler (Jessica) Chovanec; great-granddaughters, Anna Melzow, Masyn Chovanec, and Nora Chovanec; brother, Marvin (Carolyn) Marek; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 69 years, Victor A. Chovanec; brothers, Felix Marek, Albert Marek, Frank Marek, Vlad Marek, Pete Marek, and Robert Marek; sisters, Rosie Valigura, Josephine Dornak, and Lillian Vrana; and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral on Thursday, November 20th at 9 am, followed by a Rosary at 9:30 am and funeral Mass at 10 am. Burial will immediately follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Clint Chovanec, Jordan Chovanec, Tyler Chovanec, Billy Melzow, Jeffery Vrana and Mark Chovanec.
Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Hospice of South Texas, or the charity of your choice.
