Obituary of Catherine Ann Hanzelka

Catherine (Cathy) Hanzelka, faithful daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother of La Porte, Texas was called to eternal life with her Savior Jesus Christ on August 29^th at the age of 76. She is preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Charles Anastasio. Cathy is survived by her beloved  husband Fredrick Hanzelka of 51 years; her sister Lisa Harvey, and brother Charles Anastasio; daughters Keeli Felts and husband Kevin, Katy Toale and husband Timothy, and Kayla Brown and husband Colin; and grandchildren Kyndal and Kaden Felts, Tanner, Taylor, and Trace Toale and Presley Brown.

Catherine was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on April 19, 1948 and moved to Texas following college to take a position in education at Sam Rayburn High School where she taught for 8 years.  She devotedly raised her three daughters until they entered school.  Cathy returned to a fulfilling career in education at Bonnette Junior High School where she was named “Teacher of the Year” in 1996.  She finished her teaching career at Deer Park Junior High School where she was able to impact many young lives. 

Cathy loved life and will long be remembered as a loving and compassionate friend who made time throughout her life to show her care for others.  Her greatest accomplishment was the love and commitment she gave to her family and to God. Her greatest gifts were her children Keeli, Katy, and Kayla. When she became “Grandma Cathy”, she found a new joy with her grandchildren, Kyndal, Tanner, Kaden, Taylor, Trace, and Presley.   She felt that life is precious and it is to be lived joyfully. She will forever be remembered for her positive attitude, for helping others in need, and for her strong loyalty and love for her family. Although she will be deeply missed, her memory lives on with her family and many friends. We know that she left this world for a better place. Let us celebrate that Cathy now knows the full essence of God’s true love.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Cathy’s memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center or St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 816 Park Drive, La Porte, TX 77571.

Visitation will be held at Clayton Funeral Home, 201 South 3^rd Street, La Porte, TX on September 11, 2024 from 6-8pm

A memorial service will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 816 Park Drive, La Porte TX on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:00am.  Prior to the service there will be a welcome reception starting at 9:30am and following the service we welcome you to stay for lunch as we celebrate the beautiful life of Cathy.