OBITUARY

Elnora Hadamek Jurek

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Elnora Hadamek Jurek earned her permanent wings on Nov. 27, 2020 at the age of 84, just weeks shy of her 85thbirthday. Born Dec. 10, 1935 in Yorktown, Texas, to Hattie and Sebuse Edward Hadamek, Elnora was the fourth of six siblings. A natural caregiver, she began nurturing others at an early age starting with looking after her little sisters, Helen and Shirley Ann, while Alice, Dolly (Dolores), and Buddy worked the fields with Momma and Daddy. Elnora was amazingly independent and moved to town from the family farm to begin working as a soda jerk at a mere fifteen-years-old. During her time at Keesler’s Confectionary Shop, she was able to develop her passion for serving others and whipping up delicious treats. When she wasn’t working at Keesler’s she would help her sister Dolly by babysitting her oldest nephew Donnie.

Elnora was a proud Cuero High School Class of 1954 alumni. Always reminding us she’s rooting for her Gobblers, even when her grandsons were wearing an Apache jersey.

She began her life with her honey, John Jurek Jr., on September 24, 1955 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cuero. Together they created a life full of love, devotion, and many nights out dancing. They had five children: Glenda, Janice, Shirley, Jerrie, and Johnny.

Ahead of her time, Elnora was an entrepreneur. She owned and operated Mother Goose Day Care for over 50 years. It was here that “Mrs. Elnora”, “Mama Nora”, or “Grandma” impacted the lives of thousands of children in the community. Oftentimes caring for multiple generations within the same family. Going to Mrs. Jurek’s meant playing outside, eating Spaghettios and Chili Burgers until you were stuffed, and having a second grandma to look after and love you. Her compassionate and loving spirit will not end with her death, but will be carried out, honorably, in the many, many hearts that she touched throughout her lifetime.

The greatest role she took on was being “Grandma” to her twelve grandchildren; Michael Bailey, Jason Bailey, Nathan Bailey, Jasen Walshak, Austin Sutton, David Schautteet Jr., Jaren Walshak, Kim Martinez, Kaitlin Bailey, Jalen Walshak, and Jefry Walshak. There was never a dull moment at Grandma’s house. The door was always open, rules didn’t exist, and Grandma would do anything to make her grandkids happy. Her ability to love knew no limits. She later went on to spoil her thirteen great grandchildren.

Elnora was the matriarch of her family. She hosted Sunday dinner and always insisted that everyone gather at her house to celebrate the holidays. Feeding her family and ensuring that everyone was together for special moments was a priority to her. That legacy will be carried out, and live on forever through her loved ones. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John; sister Helen Bulgerin (Jimmy) of Cuero, brother Albert (Buddy) Hadamek of Waller; sister-in-law Nelda Gandy of Gonzales; daughter Glenda Jurek-Rahe (Hardin) of San Marcos; daughter Janice Sutton-Brzozowski (Ronnie); daughter Shirley Schautteet (David, Sr.); daughter Jerrie Walshak (Mark), all of Gonzales; son John Edward “Johnny-JJ” Jurek (Cindy Gibson) of Luling; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elnora was preceded in death by her parents; sister Alice Wiese and husband Charlie; sister Dolores Caraway and husband Tillman; and sister Shirley Koenning and husband Lonnie, Father and Mother-in-law John and Ada Jurek, Brother-in-law Gray Jurek.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Memorial Hospital, Texan Nursing & Rehab, and Kindred Hospice. A special thank you to Rita Lewis for her help caring for Dad during this time. A memorial service in her honor will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, or Legacy Ranch Kids to honor her lifelong devotion to helping and caring for children.

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