Fannie Pearl Brezik Lamza

Fannie Pearl Brezik Lamza, 96, of Hallettsville, passed away August 11, 2026

It was a cold, drizzly winter night on January 14, 1930, when Dr. Dufner made his way to Ezzell through worsening weather. Before the night was over, a blizzard had arrived—but so had a beautiful baby girl. Shortly after midnight, in the bedroom of the new home that Ambrose and Pearl Hobbs had built on the Hobbs family place in Ezzell, Fannie Pearl Brezik made her entrance into the world. Her mother Lela Mae Hobbs Brezik, had just enjoyed a meal of boiled cabbage before giving birth. She was named in honor of both of her grandmothers, a fitting tribute to the strong women who came before her.

Fannie grew up on the family farm her parents had purchased. She attended Williamsburg School for her first two years, walking there each day. For the next six years, she proudly rode her beloved horse Dixie, to Mossy Grove School. Her faithful collie Shep, watched over her while her parents worked in the fields, a cherished memory from her country childhood.

For her first year of high school, Fannie lived in town before graduating from Hallettsville High School. Long before graduation, however, she had already met the love of her life. At the age of twelve, during a picnic at Koerth Church, Leonard Lamza was introduced to her by his sister Evangeline. Their young friendship blossomed into a lifelong love.

When Leonard joined the United States Army in January 1945, the two faithfully wrote letters to one another throughout his military service. After he returned home, Leonard was eager to marry, but Fannie was determined to finish high school first. Her perseverance paid off, and on Monday, June 21, 1948, they were united in marriage.

The newlyweds settled in Houston, where Leonard worked for Sears, and Fannie began her career with Hardware Mutual before later becoming a Claims Adjuster for Marine Office. Their greatest joy came through their family. They welcomed their first daughter Phyllis, in 1954, followed by Charlotte in 1958 and Jacqueline in 1963.

Fannie devoted herself to her family, lovingly sewing beautiful outfits for her daughters and filling her home with delicious meals and baked treats. Her Oatmeal Cookies, German Chocolate Cake, Brownies, homemade pies, Fried Chicken and Venison became family favorites, and Leonard especially appreciated her wonderful cooking. Her grandchildren especially enjoyed her Cinnamon Toast, which she called Baby Birds and her Cream of Wheat (nobody made it better than Grandma). Throughout the years, Leonard and Fannie enjoyed traveling across the United States, first with their daughters and later during retirement with dear friends Philip and Patricia Schlageter. Those adventures created treasured memories that lasted a lifetime.

Leonard and Fannie loved going to polka dances together. They especially enjoyed the lively music that celebrated their Czech heritage. The music, dancing and fellowship gave them a wonderful way to stay connected to their roots and to the traditions they cherished.

Family was always close to Fannie's heart. In her later years, she spent countless enjoyable hours on the telephone with her cousin Jo-Eileen Berger, reminiscing about their childhood and sharing treasured family stories.

Fannie was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #797, American Legion Post #230 Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #6382 Auxiliary, Czech Heritage Society and the Texas Education Extension Agency of Lavaca County. She valued the friendships and fellowship these organizations brought into her life.

After nearly seven decades together, Fannie experienced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband, Leonard, in January 2018. Their marriage of sixty-nine years and seven months was a beautiful example of enduring love, faith, and commitment.

Fannie leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her daughters, Phyllis Steffek & husband Phillip of Hallettsville; Charlotte Brown & husband Rodney of Hallettsville and Jacqueline McKay & husband Jeffery of Crosby; five grandchildren, Sabrina Ponton, Michelle Steffek, Amanda Steffek, Joseph Brown and Justin McKay & wife Katy; five great-grandchildren, Caleb, Coy, Cannin and Cianna Ponton and Abigail McKay; brother-in-law Cleo Lamza; sisters-in-law Betty Jo Baca & husband Leroy of Victoria and Eunice Vincent of Corpus Christi; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Fannie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leonard Lamza, her parents Joe & Lela Mae Brezik, brother-in-law Billy Lamza & wife Evelyn; sisters-in-law, Evangeline "Vangie" O'Neal & husband Clifton and Sydonia "Toni" Luco.

Fannie will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her gentle spirit, her strong work ethic, her delicious cooking and baking, her skilled sewing and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her life was one of love, faith, dedication and quiet strength. Though she will be deeply missed, the legacy she leaves in her family and the countless lives she touched will continue for generations.

In recent months, as Fannie’s health declined, she was lovingly cared for by the wonderful caregivers at Helping Hearts of Hallettsville, along with her devoted sitters—Debbie Gabler, Charlene Miller, Blanca Guzman, Rachel Norton and Katlyn Power. The family is deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and loving care they provided to her during her final months. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the nursing staff of Harbor Hospice of Victoria for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Mass Service: 11 am, Friday, August 14, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville (400 East Fifth Street) with Visitation at 9 am and Rosary at 10:30 am. Officiants: Msgr. John Peters & Rev. Michael Rother. Pallbearers: Justin McKay, Joseph Brown, Morris O'Neal, Caleb Ponton, Coy Ponton, Robert "Bobby" Schlageter, Matthew Schlageter and Carl Hobbs. Honorary Pallbearers: Sabrina Ponton, Michelle Steffek, Amanda Steffek, Cannin Ponton, Cianna Ponton and Abigail McKay. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville, Sacred Heart Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA #797) or Donor’s Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Reception and Meal: Sacred Heart Church Family Center (306 S. Glendale, Hallettsville, Texas 77964) immediately after burial.