MARIE KUTAC SMAISTRLA

1924-2017

“We loved you the first time we saw you – And we always will love you, Marie.” From “Marie” - Randy Newman

Marie Kutac Smaistrla was born on Floresville farmland in 1924. She lived a simple and complicated life with grace and beauty for 93 years. Simple, because her mission was to nurture and provide for her family. Simple because of her gift at spreading the joy of friendships through cooking, sewing, laughing, fishing, church, playing bridge, dominoes and travelling the world. She never missed a hair appointment and had lipstick on 100% of the time. Complicated, because she left her deep farmland roots and moved to Houston in the late 1940’s and helped us all move into the 21st century. From farmhouse to suburbs to townhouse life to assisted living, Marie showed us what community, style and happiness could look like and be. She supported her husbands’ enterprises and their illnesses. “In sickness and in health” she was faithful. She shepherded her children through school, even though her own formal education had stopped at eighth grade. She was amongst the Houston pioneers in special education, faithfully given on behalf of her beloved daughter Karen. St Thomas More, St Ambrose, and CRI knew the joy of her devoted service.

Marie lives on through the generations. Her daughters Joanne, Joyce, Teri, Tina and Karen and her son Bobby and their families gratefully celebrate and bless her.

Marie was born beautiful. She remained so her whole life. God welcomes her beautiful spirit into eternity. She goes to dance and play dominoes with kindred spirits.

5:00 Visitation and 7:00 Rosary at St Ambrose Church, 4213 Mangum Rd. 77092, Tuesday June 6, 2017

Funeral mass at St Ambrose Church, 10: 00 Wednesday June 7, 2017

Interment at Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery – Private

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to National Alliance on Mental Illness, 3630 West Dallas, 77018 namigreaterhouston.org; and to Karen’s caregiver team at There’s No Place Like Home (TNPLH) at 2025 West 11th, Houston Texas 77008.