Dorothy Alice Janecka Tykal, 83, of Schulenburg, was born October 10, 1930 to Emil & Bessie Janecka. She was the youngest sibling of Agnes Cernoch, Albert Janecka, Emil Janecka, and Bessie Johnson. Dorothy married Gene Tykal on December 27, 1952 and they have six children: Susan, Howard, Kenny (Elsa), Joe (Doris), Lisa (Randy) and Tammy (Daniel). She is the grandmother to Tracy (Philip), Travis, Kelsey, Michael (Jasmine) Jazz, and Savannah and great grandmother to Brodie.

With her sister Bessie's help, Dorothy attended St. Joseph School of Nursing and fulfilled her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston for over 20 years, stopping in the early years to stay home and raise her family. Mom loved helping others and was often called upon by the youngsters in the neighborhood to bandage their wounds. The kids weren't afraid of her, she had a calming nature. She sewed many a stitch for her own kids.

Dorothy enjoyed playing Bingo and thanks to the JaJa cousins, Chickenfoot Dominoes. She was known as the mother hen at Assisted Living because they would sit around and 'cluck' while playing. Mom always looked forward to the JaJa gatherings and was so thankful that we had started the annual tradition and become reacquainted.

Our family came to treasure the holiday gatherings at Adie's Place & our summer beach rental at the Tyndall on Crystal Beach. The houses may no longer be available but we have the memories!

Dorothy was an excellent cook, wonderful seamstress. She loved flowers, hummingbirds, and canning the vegetables from Dad's garden. After living the fast paced city life for so many years, it was an adjustment to move back to the country. But she came to love the peaceful surroundings, and the bonds that she formed with new and old friends alike.

Mom was "old school". She/Dad wanted nothing to do with technology (cell phones, internet, cable or satellite tv). She believed in 3 square meals a day, sitting down together as a family, homework before play, and assigning chores. We went to church, and attended CCD classes. We didn't get allowances and at Christmas, you got a new outfit, 1 toy, and a large gift that all of the family could enjoy. We had 1 tv in the living room. Our family vacations consisted of day trips to the beach, going to Grandma Bessie's house, visiting Howard in Austin and the various church picnics. Back in the day, eating out was a luxury and it meant KFC chicken. To this day that is still one of her favorites. These are memories that we all treasure.

Softspoken, quiet, shy, reserved. A graceful, stylish beautiful woman. She was a true friend and an inspiration to many. She always knew exactly what to say to make us feel better. Sometimes the advice wasn't what we wanted to hear, but Mom always knew best. Taken from an email that has been passed around several times, if Mom had a motto, it would go something like this:

"Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Old age is like a bank account …you withdraw from what you've put in. So my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories".

When Mom felt good, she could light up a room. Though reserved, she loved being around others. She came out of her shell when she moved to the Villas. She had a competitive streak.

When in doubt about something, just ask yourselves "what would Grandma Dorothy do"? She will be watching over us, playing tricks, nudging us along, making sure we don't cheat at chickenfoot. She's smiling now and at peace.

Although our hearts are heavy, our tears are happy ones. We are grateful for having her in our lives and for the values and traditions she set forth. Dorothy departed this life on December 20, 2013 and is embarking on a new journey with family and friends who have gone before her. This is not goodbye, it's just we'll miss you till we meet again!


Funeral Mass Service: 3 pm, Monday, December 23, 2013 at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia.
Visitation: 1 pm, Monday, at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church.
Officiant: Msgr. John Peters.
Pallbearers: Joe Tykal, Travis Tykal, Kenneth Tykal, Randy Sagstetter, Daniel Franklin, and Michael Richardson.
Memorials (in lieu of flowers): South Texas Hospice, 306 N. Texana, Hallettsville, TX 77964; or your favorite charity in memory of Dorothy A. Tykal.