Dorothy Mae Svoboda

Dorothy Mae Svoboda, 80, passed away in her hometown of Gonzales surrounded by her loved ones on April 19.

Dorothy was born to Mary Malatek and Jake Avant, both of Gonzales, on January 12, 1937, and was the second of five children.

To say Dorothy Mae was a country girl would be putting it lightly. Growing up she hardly ever rode a horse, her ride of choice was a mule, which she’d saddle up and ride on her family’s land. On October 5, 1955 Dorothy married the love of her life, Joseph Louis Svoboda whom she met at the 77 club in Yoakum in 1952. Joe was the drummer for Prince and the Loan Star Ramblers and she was quite smitten with him. Together they loved to trail ride with friends and family. They’d hitch the mules to the wagon, she’d saddle up her own mule to ride and away they went for days. The most famous trail ride they were known for was the annual ride to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, which that tradition was carried on by them for more than 30 years. Waking up early to cook her delicious breakfast was the highlight of these trail ride adventures for her and the riders. She had a love for people and really had a love to FEED people. Bacon, eggs, and toast were always a must and she added a special touch to these simple foods that made them extra tasty, it had to have been all of her extra love. Also, anyone who knew Dorothy knew she made the BEST dressing and she would make it every year on her favorite holiday which was Christmas. There isn’t a person who can replicate that recipe except her grandson Miles, he comes pretty close.

Aside from her love of trail riding, Christmas, family, and friends, Dorothy had a love for God. She had an enormous amount of faith and always knew to cast her care on the good Lord. Dorothy was a member of the St. James Catholic Church here in Gonzales.

Dorothy had worked as a dental assistant for more than twenty years and in her later years was a caregiver for many kiddos whom she loved dearly and was known as Nana Dorothy. She had a heart of gold and made such a positive impact on anyone whom she crossed paths with. Her quirky smile, wrinkled nose, and bright blue eyes are what she will leave on the hearts of all those who loved her. We know she is smiling in Heaven with our Heavenly Father and the love of her life Joe.

She is survived by her son Mike Svoboda of Gonzales, daughter Sherrie and husband Kelly Hilburn of Waco, and daughter Carrie and husband John Pesek of Sweethome, grandchildren Charmayne Perry and husband Stephen of Gonzales, Sheriden White of Dallas, Zach Miles and wife Ashley of Luling, and Miles Svoboda of Gonzales. She is preceded in death by her parents Mary and Jake Avant, grandson Michael Svoboda Jr., and Papa Joe.

Memorial services will be held May 13 at 10 a.m. at the St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales. Immediately following the service, lunch will be provided by the Catholic Daughters. All are welcome to join.