Natalie Marie Hanus

A rosary prayer vigil service will be held Thursday evening January 4, 2018 at 7 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan with visitation from 5-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday January 5, 2018 at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. John A. McCaffrey officiating followed by interment at Mt. Cavalry Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Mary Boriskie, her husband of 40 years Lawrence, her brother Lawrence Boriskie, her daughter-in-law Marianne Hanus and her sister-in-law Ellen Boriskie.

She is survived by her sons Richard and wife Donna, David and wife Sylvia, all of Bryan, her daughter Elaine Kelbly and husband John of Hewitt, Texas, her brother Eugene Boriskie of Houston and her sister-in-law Evelyn Boriskie also of Houston. Natalie is also survived by grandchildren Lindsay Hanus Linzon and husband Andrew, Jonathan Hanus, Ashlyn Kelbly Morgan and husband Ben, Ryan Hanus, Erin Kelbly, Austin Hanus and wife Hallie, Will Hanus and Kalyn Kelbly, her great granddaughter Samantha Rose Linzon and many nieces, nephews and cousins including her nephew Rev. Tom J. Hanus.

Known to many including her care givers as Mema, she was a kind example of gentleness, humor, holiness and love of family. As matriarch of the family, she was one of the last of a generation growing up on a farm outside of Bryan without electricity or running water. Natalie attended the Leonard Road School, graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School and worked at Texas A&M University. She taught discipline and self-control and always encouraged her children to become the best version of themselves by getting more education and staying close to church teachings. She was an active life-long member and supporter of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the K. J. Z. T. Society. She was active in her parish community working on committees and noted for being a prayer warrior. Natalie loved music and dancing, was a great cook and challenged herself to learn new things. Up to age 80 she was still preparing large holiday meals for the entire family while always including the grandchildren’s favorite dishes. Her famous banana bread was the source of much happiness in the family. And, there was always a spot at the dinner table for extended family members.

After a long life dedicated to her family and the community, Natalie spent several years in a nursing home where she was an example of patience, perseverance, humor and surrender to God’s will. Her courage and determination were an inspiration for others.

The family wishes to acknowledge Yolie Bout for her love and dedication as Mema’s care companion in the last years of her life and the dedication, love and compassion of the nurses and staff at the St. Joseph Manor for their excellent care of Mema for nearly five years.

The family requests anyone wishing to make a donation to consider the St. Joseph Church Building Fund, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Twin City Mission or Hospice Brazos Valley.