Annette Kocian Krupala, 75, of Hallettsville, passed away on February 24, 2013. She was born on February 12, 1938 in Shiner, Texas, to Jerome and Alice Henkhaus Kocian. She married Marcus Wayne Krupala in Hallettsville on June 4, 1961, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011.

Annette attended Hallettsville High School, graduating in 1956. She earned a B.S. in Education at Southwest Texas State University in 1960.

Over a period of 30 years, she taught school in the San Antonio, Houston, and Conroe School Districts (Delta Kappa Gamma), and was a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed a reputation as an educator whom students remembered with special fondness. Older students and young adults frequently approached her to express their continuing gratitude for her efforts during their terms as first graders.

After retiring from teaching, she co-owned Cricket's Corner Antiques with her twin sister, Jeannette Jahn, and made many cherished friends across the country.

Annette also greatly enjoyed travel, especially to the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. Hiking, camping, skiing, and even snowmobiling were among her favorite vacation adventures. In her spare time, she liked to relax with a good mystery. She also tended her beautiful rose garden with loving care.

Survivors: husband Marcus Wayne Krupala; son Gary Krupala; daughter Kimberly McCarson; grandchildren Colin and Emma McCarson; mother-in-law Marjorie Krupala; brothers Robert, David (Alice), Jerry (Gwen), Donald (Linda), and Carl Kocian; twin sister Jeannette (Jimmie) Jahn and sister Barbara (Wayne) Hanna; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents, brother James Jean Kocian, and niece Sharon Gay Kocian.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice of South Texas, to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, especially Drs. Schmeler, Mahajan, and Wheler, and to Drs. Jain and Qadri and their staffs in Victoria for the wonderful care they provided during her illness.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Msgr. John Peters. Pallbearers: Robert P. Kocian, David A. Kocian, Jerry Kocian, Donald Kocian, Carl A. Kocian, and Colin McCarson. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hospice of South Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, or Donor's Choice. Entombment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.