Edith M. Hartensteiner

Edith Matura Hartensteiner, of Sugar Land, passed away on July 26, 2024, at the age of 72 years. She valiantly battled pancreatic cancer for 7 ½ years and endured 176 rounds of chemo at MD Anderson. Edith grew up in Dubina, Texas, a small town between Schulenburg and Weimer. Edith, her parents, and 5 siblings developed a strong work ethic while growing up on their farm.

Edith was a graduate from Bishop Forest High School and participated in softball, volleyball, basketball, pep squad and was crowned “Miss Western.” In1969, Edith was crowned “Miss Schulenburg” and went on to attend the Modeling Academy and Houston Community College.

On November 27, 1971, Edith married her childhood neighbor, David Hartensteiner, after he returned from the Vietnam war. Following their wedding, they settled in Houston and then moved to Sugar Land to raise their family (Vicki, Shelley, and Bobby Joe). Edith has lived in their family home for the past 50 years. She worked for 34 years taking care of children all of ages: preschool, middle school, high school and as a crossing guard. The latter part of her career, she served as an administrative assistant at Clements High School and then retired as an administrative assistant at Wharton County Junior College.

Edith enjoyed everything Elvis! She loved dancing to country and polka music. She and David were regulars at the Knights of Columbus Hall Dances. Edith had a “green thumb” and could make anything grow, especially in her garden. Edith could can anything you would give her, but her best recipes were her pickles and her specialty-sauerkraut! Her grandchildren will always remember her for the “best Chex Mix ever” which she would make them on special occasions. Edith was an avid Astros and Texan fan even asking to listen to the Astros while in the hospital prior to her passing.

Edith was a devout Catholic and has been a member of St. Theresa’s Church since 1974. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters and has previously served as a past officer, project chairperson and each year was involved in the annual bazaar. Additionally, she was a member of the Sugar Canes, KJZT and the Gathering Place. Edith was also a regular contributor to many of the Knights of Columbus events such as the monthly dinners.

Edith was preceded in death by her husband-David Hartensteiner, grandson-Dyrk Burcie, her parents- Henry and Vlasta Matura and brothers Eugene, Erwin and Ernest. She is survived by her daughter Vicki Diaz and her husband, Mark; daughter Shelley Burcie and her husband, Dameon; son Bobby Joe Hartensteiner and his wife, Samantha. Grandchildren- Jordan Anderson, Dakota Burcie, Emma Diaz, Dustin Burcie, Aiden Hartensteiner, Dawson Hartensteiner and Wesley Hartensteiner; Sisters - Gladys Machicek and Evelyn Meyer; And her favorite dog and companion: K.C. (pictured above).

Thanks to all of Edith’s friends and family who helped along her cancer journey with the endless chemo treatments, procedures and doctor appointments. Our appreciation and gratefulness to you is immeasurable. We want to thank everyone for their prayers for our mother over the years. She is a testament of faith, resolve and enormous strength. Your prayers were a source of comfort and support to her through her cancer battle.

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 705 St. Theresa Blvd in Sugar Land, immediately followed by the visitation from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. also at St. Theresa Catholic Church.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 31 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 705 St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land.

Immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Edith during a reception to be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church.

The Rite of Committal will be held on Wednesday, July 31 at 4 p.m. in Dubina, Texas (her hometown), St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center. P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts or call 713-792-3450. Please state, “in memory of Edith Hartensteiner, designated to Pancreatic Cancer Research.”