Mary Elizabeth Jonietz

Mary Elizabeth Jonietz, of Hallettsville, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born on March 27, 1932, in Hallettsville, Texas, daughter of Erwin Joseph "Ernie" Bucek and Mary Elizabeth "Tummie" Bucek. She grew up in Hallettsville, where she and her brother Charles Erwin worked on weekends in the family grocery store on the town square. After graduating from high school, she attended Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. There she met the love of her life, Alfred John Jonietz, who was attending St Mary's University. They married and shared a beautiful life and family together.

Mary earned a degree in education and spent her career teaching second grade. She taught in both San Antonio and Hallettsville ISD's, retiring at the age of 72. Her students adored her, and she touched countless young lives with her dedication, patience, and inspiration.

Mary was preceded in death by; her beloved husband Alfred John Jonietz, her parents Erwin & Mary Elizabeth Bucek, her only brother Charles Erwin Bucek and her grandparents, Charles & Mary Elizabeth "Mamie" Appelt and Frank "FK" & Agnes Bucek.

Mary is survived by: her six children, Susan Doyle (Joe Doyle), John Jonietz, Lisa Mount (Mike Mount), Claire Hickle (Matt Hickle), Kathy Nicolson (David Nicolson) and Joseph Jonietz (Shelley Jonietz); her grandchildren, Elizabeth "Beth" Wales (Patrick Wales), Alex Mitchell, Madison Nicolson, Duke Nicolson, Julia Jonietz and Eleanor Jonietz; and her great-grandchildren, Patrick Ryan Wales Jr., Mary Elizabeth Wales and Richard O'Brien Wales.

Mary will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and a beloved teacher, whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. Her faith, family, friends, and students were the center of her life.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Mass Service: 11 am, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville with Visitation starting at 9 am. Officiant: Rev. Christopher Bediako. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): a donation toward a $500 scholarship for a student at Sacred Heart Catholic School in her honor. Entombment: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Reception: Immediately afterward entombment in the Sacred Heart Church Family Center.