Carolyn Marie Zurovec

Carolyn Marie Zurovec, age 85, passed peacefully to the Lord on November 14, 2012, at her home with family by her side. Throughout her life she was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother (Babicka), and wonderful friend to many.

Carolyn was born on October 6, 1927 in Cistern, Texas to Alex and Frances Vinklarek. She grew up in Cistern, Texas on the family farm where she and her eight brothers and sisters learned the value of hard work and the importance of family.

On November 21, 1949, Carolyn married Felix Zurovec. In 1956 they moved from Cistern to Austin, where they raised their eleven children. While Felix worked three jobs to support their family, Carolyn managed the household and took care of the family's every day needs. They were married 53 years and enjoyed church and community activities together as well as hosting the family for holiday celebrations and family reunions at Port Aransas in the summer.

Carolyn lived a rich life through her faith in God. She selflessly dedicated her life to her family, always putting their needs before her own. Through her love and support, she conveyed to each of her children and grandchildren that they were number one in her heart. She was a homemaker extraordinaire and performed all tasks to perfection. She was an avid gardener, excellent seamstress, and outstanding cook. The family will always cherish the beautiful quilts she lovingly made for each of her children and grandchildren.

Carolyn also served as a lay minister at St. Ignatius Catholic Church for 30 years and was an active member of the women's Czech organization, KJZT, which performs charitable works for the local community. She was also a member of the Happy Czech Singers who sang at various Czech events and churches in central Texas. After her children were grown, she completed her GED and went to work at Sears Department Store.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Felix. She is survived by their 11 children, Michael and wife Carol, Duane and wife Jan, Patricia, Suzanne and husband Ron, Donald, Steven and wife Sharon, Jamie and husband Todd, Jennyne and husband Bob, Robert and wife Jennifer, Diane and husband Larry, and Darrell and wife Michele. Carolyn was blessed with 28 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 18 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue with Recitation of the Holy Rosary to follow at 7:00 pm. Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 19 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church with Reverend Bill Wack, C.S.C. officiating. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. Afterwards a reception will be held at Father Gene Dore Family Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to St. Ignatius Catholic School or the Education of Catholic Seminarians, c/o St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf, Austin, Texas 78704.

The family would like to thank Hospice Austin and the wonderful team of caregivers who provided loving comfort and care. Thank you also to her doctors and nurses for their medical care and compassion.