Laura Pyle Olejnik

Laura Pyle Olejnik died on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 68 years. She lived in Houston, TX. She spent her last 20 months of life in local hospitals, trying to recover from damage caused by Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Effects of prolonged hospitalization and ventilation issues caused her passing at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.

Laura was born in Springhill, LA on November 27, 1944 to Della Berniece Johnson and William Weldon Pyle Sr. She is survived by her sister, Barbara and brother, Bill. Laura wed Michael Olejnik at St. Thomas High School on June 25, 1977. She obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Library Science. Her two other Master’s Degrees in Theology from UST. She held library positions at South Texas Junior College, St. Thomas High School, U of H Downtown, and was a tenured Associate Professor and Director of the Cardinal Beran Library at St. Mary’s Seminary for 17 years. Laura converted to Catholicism and actively served her local parish as an RCIA leader and sponsor, Engaged Couples sponsor, Children’s Liturgy leader, and member of the choir and Fellowship committee. Her faith and study of theology was deepened through classes and courses she desired to regularly attend.

Laura is survived by her mother, Della Berniece, her sister, Barbara and brother Bill, her husband, Michael Olejnik, her daughter Ellyn and her two grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew.

Viewings will be held at Pat H. Foley and Co. Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29th, 5 – 8 PM and Thursday, May 30th, 5 – 7 PM with Rosary beginning at 7 PM. Service at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Friday, May 31st at 10:30 AM, committal immediately following at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Reception for family and friends at St. Ambrose following the burial.