5530 Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581 | 281-485-4446
201 South 3rd St. La Porte, Texas 77571 | 281-471-0123
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Katy Toale uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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This is what I wrote for my mom and read at her visitation. -Katy-
I know everyone in here knows what an amazing person my mother is. She was always thinking of others and wanted to do anything she could to lessen the burden. In a few minutes we will be watching a slideshow that was put together by Cathy herself. She choose each photo and the music to play in the background. She even googled how long should a slideshow be and found it probably should be no longer than about 10 minutes; and she said opps mine is about 30 minutes so she had to cut it down some. So many pictures, so many memories and wonderful times. She even told me it is kinda weird that I am putting together my own funeral slide show but I actually enjoyed looking at all of these pictures and reliving all of these memories. My mom also downloaded all the songs you have been hearing in the background today, she wrote her own obituary and choose her own readings and songs for the church service tomorrow. She did all of this for us, because she knows how difficult it is to put all of this together after a loved one passes and she wanted to do as much as she could to help us through the process.
The next thing I am going to read is something I wrote for my mom when we were in the hospital and found out the cancer had continued to spread. I really wanted her to hear it because I didn’t write it for myself and I didn’t write it for you, I wrote it for her.
Anyways she really liked it and I hope you do too.
Catherine Ann Anastasio Hanzelka, AKA mom, AKA, Cathy, AKA Caffy (according to my 4 year old)
Cathy was an extraordinary woman in many ways who left us far too soon. For some time, I had a hard time understanding why God would take her away from us, but I understand that death is a part of life and she lived a very long happy fulfilling life. Obviously, we never want to lose someone we love and someone who is so close to us, your mom is your hero and the hero is not supposed to die. But I take great comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain, and she is with the Lord and has been reunited with her loved ones who have passed.
No matter how old we are, we still need our mother and I remember her pain when her own mother Flo passed away and how terribly she missed her. When my mom passed I envisioned in my head her walking to those big white pearly gates and her mother Flo being the first one standing right there with her arms open wide waiting to welcome her daughter home and this brought me peace.
She was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 2017 and endured many harsh treatments which took a toll all while maintaining a positive attitude, a strong relationship with God and continuing to help others as much as she could. Growing up she did so much for us. I remember having to learn how to do laundry when I was leaving for college because I never really had to do it before. She made a home cooked dinner for us most nights with an occasional Little Caesars pizza night thrown in there. When I was 21 I asked if I could come live back at home for a year while I finished up classes for pharmacy school. Both her and my dad didn’t hesitate in welcoming me back home.
When I was older, she would have us over to the house for my birthday dinner where she would make my favorite thing: fried and grilled shrimp, home made fries (that are way better than those frozen ones you buy at the store), a tangy noodle salad and her awesome carrot cake. No one makes your favorite dinner better than your mom.
She was a teacher, a friend, a wife, and a sister but the job she took most seriously was a mother. Some unique things that I think about when I remember my mom:
-She was a kind caring person, with empathy for all those in need
-If you needed help she never said no
-She always put others before herself
-She loved talking, she could carry a conversation with anyone
-She never missed church and if unable to be there physically she would watch online.
-She volunteered every Thursday at the church donation store
-She would take a million pictures, just like me to document all of her fun times
-She saved and organized all of our important memories from our childhood
-She hated spicy food despite growing up in Louisiana
-Somehow she always was the one who ended up crashing or falling when we would take a Segway tours
-She would go to all of our sporting events, school functions, and extracurricular activities
-She put up with us during our rebellious teenage years
-She put her life on hold and stayed with me for a long time when my first child was born to help out and let me take oh so important naps.
Cathy did not want a viewing at her funeral because she wanted her friends and family to remember her while she was alive. I want everyone to think about a happy memory you have of Cathy.
I have lots:
-Going on vacations in the orange and brown van listening to John Denver 8 tracks followed by the white van with purple interior and fancy automatic reclining bed
-Her and my dad making us the best Halloween costumes every year
-Ski trips and then summer vacations to Schlitterbahn
-Massive easter egg hunts in our backyard, bubble baths, Christmas mornings, epic birthday parties
-Disney world trip when we were grumpy teenagers
-Our family European trip to Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria
-Hanging out on the boat for Keeli’s birthday boat parties
-When she told me she gave my son some ham for breakfast and I didn’t think we had any ham. Come to find out it was uncooked turkey bacon
Even when she was very weak after radiation, and I was at the house helping out I found her by the laundry machine taking clothes out of the dryer I had washed. I said go away, I will do that. I took the clothes out and folded them and put them on the dryer and before I had a chance to put them away she snuck back in and grabbed them. I gave her a look and she said oh I am just gonna bring them in the bedroom, you can just take the sheets and lay them on top of the bed. I was like, come on mom I am not just gonna lay the sheets on top of the bed. I can actually put the sheets on the bed for you, that is why I am here. This is a perfect example of her always trying to help us.
She loved her grandkids and her grandkids loved her. She got a little over 9 years of wonderful memories with the grandkids since her children waited until they were old farts to have kids. My kids did not have to go to daycare until they were 18 months old because of the help we had from Cathy and my mother in law Cindy. She supplied a large portion of the kids clothes and games and they would always fight over who would get to go to Cathy’s house next.
She taught me how to be responsible, successful, driven, and empathetic. She set an example of how to do parenting right. She and my father somehow raised 3 successful happy daughters who have never had any serious legal issues that I am aware of. While I make mistakes from time to time as a mother I look to the example she set for me and I strive to be better. While I wish she could stay here on earth with me forever I know she is now with her mother and father and all those loved ones who have gone before us. Mom, I love you, I miss you so much already and I know that one day when I get to those pearly gates you will be the first one standing right there waiting for me with your arms open wide waiting to welcome me home.
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Gerry and Eugene Graham posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Beautiful out side and beautiful in side So sorry we were unable to attend Our prayers and thoughts were with you all. Love and Sympathy to you Fred and family. Gerry and Eugene Graham
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Tracie Chandler uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
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Cathy was my very dear friend and co-worker for over a decade. She and both taught 6th grade math. She was like a 2nd mom to me. She was always quick to offer a helping hand and a listening ear. She was incredibly special to me.
I was overjoyed when she showed up at the end of May to enjoy a Bonnette reunion. She was full of love, laughter and a smile from ear to ear.
I have no doubt that my dear Cathy is dancing in Heaven and smiling down on all of us letting us know that she is was blessed on Earth and truly blessed in Heaven.
I miss and love you, Cathy.
Rest in eternal peace,
Tracie Chandler
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The UTMB girls purchased flowers
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
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With so much love and support that we can give from afar,The UTMB GirlsElaine, Mel, Julie, and Dara
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
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Dear Keeli and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Sending thoughts of peace and comfort,
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James Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Cathy was one of those rare people who was beautiful, intelligent, and good hearted. She could light up a room with her smile and laughter. We will miss her, but are thankful for the happy memories. Our deepest sympathies to Fred and their family.
James and Danna Smith
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Shelton McBride posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, September 9, 2024
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Sympathy to all the family of Cathy who lived life as it should be. She gave of herself to her students, her family, and her friends. Blessings! Shelton McBride
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Candace Flanary posted a condolence
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Q: What will you never forget about Catherine?
A: Cathy and I shared many years as colleagues at Deer Park Junior High. After we retired, our lives drifted apart, and we lost touch. But when I was diagnosed with cancer 2 1/2 years ago and started my Caring Bridge site, Cathy reached out with unwavering love, prayers, and support. Over the next two years, until her passing, we rekindled our connection and built a beautiful friendship rooted in love and mutual respect, as we both faced the challenges of this dreadful disease together. My phone holds countless messages between us—encouraging each other, offering strength, and sharing hope through the endless therapies, scans, and tests that cancer brings.
When Cathy shared her decision to enter hospice, supported by her family, I told her how much I respected and understood her choice. In what I knew would be our final conversation, I expressed my deep gratitude for all the ways she had supported me since my diagnosis, and how I would forever cherish our friendship during such a pivotal time in both our lives.
I love you, Cathy, and I will miss you deeply.
Candace
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Allen Roark posted a condolence
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Q: What will you miss most about Catherine?
A: Cathy and I both graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria, LA in 1966. I saw her and met her husband, Fred, at a class reunion several years ago at Bolton. We all met in the Bolton gym and shared memories of our years there followed by a dance at the England Airpark Officers Club. I don't think there was a person at Bolton who didn't like her and vice versa. We will all miss her but know that she is in Heaven smiling down of all of us who are still down here. Our thoughts and prayers go to her family and many friends. May she Rest in Peace until we meet again!
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Elaine Carr posted a condolence
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Lisa and Family,
I remember your sister as beautiful and charismatic in high school at Bolton.
I am so sorry for your loss. “Big Sisters” are very important.
As we know, you will see her again; but for now, I so sympathize with the pain of your loss.
Elaine Carr
Phoenix AZ
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Glen & Gisella purchased flowers
Thursday, September 5, 2024
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Glen & Gisella
purchased the Red Florist's Choice for the family of Catherine Hanzelka.
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Kayla - We are deeply sorry for the loss of your mother, Catherine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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Pau Driscoll posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
My condolences to the family. Cathy Anastasio Hanzelka was one of my favorite teachers in high school. She will be missed by many.
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Alana Moser purchased flowers
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
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Alana Moser
purchased the Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant and planted a memorial tree for the family of Catherine Hanzelka.
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Hanzelka Family,Our prayers our with you during this time. Cathy was an amazing person and we know you will miss her dearly. May God watch over you.
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Alana Moser planted a tree in memory of Catherine Hanzelka
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
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Hanzelka Family,Our prayers our with you during this time. Cathy was an amazing person and we know you will miss her dearly. May God watch over you.
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Alana Moser posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
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Cathy and I met my first year teaching at Bonnette Junior High. She was supportive, caring, and held all the values you would expect in a teacher. Little did I know I would become pregnant that first year and need her more than ever! Not only did she support me in my job she also helped shape me as a mom. We ate lunch every day and the stories she shared always had us in stitches. She may be one of the few people outside of my immediate family who has held all 3 of my children. Our paths went separately for a while but like most friends, when we talked time disappears. After her diagnosis I was able to visit her during one of her stays at MD Anderson. She was full of laughter and smiles. I’m not sure I ever saw her without her smile. I know you will miss her. She was a wonderful person and I know you will keep her memory alive for her grandchildren.
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Jason, Bridget, Libby and Samuel Sager purchased flowers
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
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Jason, Bridget, Libby and Samuel Sager
purchased the Florist's Choice Bouquet for the family of Catherine Hanzelka.
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We are so sorry for your loss.
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Pam Nutt uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
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Friday Night Friends- this small cluster of longtime friends met every Friday for dinner and dessert-as retired teachers we had time to dine together, laugh together and share memorable times together. When Cathy had a funny anecdote to share her laughter was so contagious that we just all shared in it. Time has moved on but we will always cherish our Fridays together.
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The family of Catherine Ann Hanzelka uploaded a photo
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
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Debbie Talley posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Cathy and I ate lunch together for several years at DPJH. We really enjoyed getting to know each other. She was a beautiful person and so proud of her family.
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5530 W. Broadway
Pearland, Texas 77581
201 South 3rd St.
La Porte, Texas 77571
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