Barbara (Basia) Stefania Maciuszek, loving mother, grandmother and aunt passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the age of 85. Barbara was born on March 18, 1938 in Krakow, Poland to Stefania and Marian Szymoniak.
Basia is preceded in death by her parents, Stefania and Marian Szymoniak, her son Mieczyslaw Maciuszek Jr., her sister and brother-in-law Elzbieta and Andrzej Pollak. She is survived by her daughter Monika (Maciuszek) Horbath and husband Joe, step-daughter Jolanta Owsnicka and husband Marek, her beloved grandchildren Jaclyn Henderson and Nikolas Henderson and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
Basia was an architectural drafter and ceramic artist. She owned her own ceramic studio in Poland and created beautiful pieces of art which were sold across Poland. After emigrating to United States in the late 80's she had various jobs, but the most meaningful period of her life was spending time on a daily basis with her daughter and grandchildren. Basia decided to take an early retirement to become her grandchildren's nanny. She loved caring for them, attending their school functions, playing games and celebrating traditional Polish holidays.
Basia was an avid gardener and would nurture many plants back to life for her family and friends. She loved cooking and baking and was admired by many for her culinary creations. Her hobbies also included photography and antique restoration.
A rosary service for Barbara will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a funeral mass from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church, 1731 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77080. A reception will follow from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation (www.helpfightra.org).
