Doris June Olexa, 94, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 19, 2020 in Mandeville, LA. She was born June 25, 1926 in Houston, TX, the third of five daughters, to Ruby Attaway Kuhn and William Henry Kuhn and was blessed with a happy upbringing. She graduated high school from the Incarnate Word Academy in Houston and treasured the enduring bonds with classmates and with the teachers, most of whom, including her own sister, were Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. In 1946, Doris married Erwin Rudolph Olexa and together they raised five sons and one daughter. As Erwin studied and practiced architecture, they lived in College Station, Bryan, Orange, and, for 50 of their nearly 67 years of marriage, in Beaumont, TX.
Doris had a sustaining Catholic faith and love of God, a buoyant and hopeful spirit, a consuming love of family, and a fun and playful sense of humor. She was a sweet, devoted wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. With our hearts full of love and gratitude for her, we will remember the blessings of her steadfast prayers and sustaining care for us.
She is predeceased by her husband, Erwin; three of their sons, Michael Damian Olexa, Robert Thomas Olexa, and Jeffery James Olexa; her parents; and three sisters, Sr. Damian (Agnes) Kuhn CVI, Evelyn Marie Mathis, and Ruby Jane Porche. She is survived by her children Bill Olexa and wife Kate; Tim Olexa and wife Eva; Kathy Steinman and husband John; and daughters-in-law Linda Olexa; Sue Olexa; and Amy Olexa. She is also survived by her beloved sister Carliss Ann Carney; former daughter-in-law Belinda Olexa; twelve grandchildren and their spouses; nine great-grandchildren; and an abundance of nieces and nephews and their families.
A private Rosary and Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, August 5th at 10:15am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston, TX. Rite of Committal will follow at 1:00pm at the Houston National Cemetery where Erwin, Michael, and Jeffery now rest. Even though we stay apart so all can stay safe, it would be a great comfort to know you join with us in thought and prayer on that day.
The family expresses our sincerest appreciation to the caregivers at Fidelis Northshore 1 Care Home in Mandeville and Passages Hospice New Orleans. Memorial contributions may be made to a hospice of your choice; to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament 3400 Bradford St, Houston, TX; or to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
