Olga Agnes Shimek

Olga A. Shimek, 91 passed away January 23, 2022. She was born January 17, 1931 in Markham, Texas. Her family moved to Blessing, Texas where she and her twin brother Tony, spent summers swimming in the pond on their property and enjoyed the freedom to roam that most kids never experience. Olga and Tony were the youngest of five siblings. They were even the flower girl and ring bearer in their oldest brother Charlie’s wedding.

The family moved to Houston in 1944 and Olga enjoyed sports at both Annunciation Middle School and Incarnate Word High School. Olga was a star pitcher in high school with her lifelong friend Margaret as her catcher. After graduation Olga started working for Western Electric which became AT&T and she retired from there after 40 years. Her first boss convinced her to travel which became a passion. She spent six weeks with friends traveling through Europe where she developed a love of art and opera.

With her best friend Norma, she sipped margaritas in Acapulco and snow skied in Colorado. They sailed in the Gulf of Mexico on a 50 foot sailboat and rode on a 100 foot barge at night in Galveston Bay; watching the phosphorescent glow in the water. Olga enjoyed dancing the polka at family reunions, attending Uncle Ed's annual fish fry and visiting with “Big” Olga in Bay City.

Olga was Godmother to a few and Dr. Shimek to many. She was generous with her time and her money and loved helping people. Olga survived colon and lung cancer in her late 70's but developed Macular Degeneration in her 80's which eventually caused her to lose her independence. She moved into St. Dominic Village in assisted living and was the most glamorous resident there, thanks in part to her long time hairdresser and friend Dora Gonzales.

Olga was preceded in death by her parents, Anton Louis Shimek and Emillie Marie Jurica; four brothers, Charlie, Hubert, Elick and Tony Shimek. Also by her dear friends, Norma Young, Joy & David King, Margaret & Al Kennamer, Wanda & Walter Ellisor and Dodie Morrow.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Carolyn Ivy Shimek and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends she considered family.

Special thanks to Debbie Kennamer, M.D. Anderson Hospital and St. Dominic Village.

Pallbearers: Larry Shimek, Gary Shimek, Ronnie Shimek, David Shimek, Kent Prichard, Mike Barfield and Gary Harrod.

Visitation will be at 1pm Monday, February 7 followed by the funeral service at 2pm, both in the Chapel of Angels at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. Father Dan Warden officiating. Interment will follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Shimek family.