Marie Zalesak

Marie Rosalie Schoener Zalesak passed to Heaven at home surrounded by her family on January 29, 2013 in Columbia, Tennessee. Affectionately known as Mama Marie, Grandma or Aunt Marie, Marie will be missed by her family and friends in Texas and by her family and new friends in Columbia, TN where she had been living with her son and his family for the past two years. Marie was born in Victoria, Texas on September 16, 1925 the first of 7 children born to Albert and Agnes (Schlebach) Schoener. Marie told the most wonderful stories of her "growing up years", as she called them. Marie grew up on a small farm near Victoria, Texas where some of her earliest memories were of sitting in a wagon watching and later, picking cotton alongside her parents. From sleeping under piles of colorful handmade quilts, milking cows at 4 in the morning, learning to can produce and meat from the County Extension Agent during the depression, to growing the most fabulous vegetables, Marie always had an insightful and encouraging story to tell.Marie and her late husband, Joe, were wonderful Christian people who truly had the gift of hospitality. They had a cup of coffee or glass of iced tea ready for all who visited and even fully prepared meals would amazingly appear at a moment's notice. Marie and Joe were charter members of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Houston, TX, which began in 1946. While living in Tennessee, Marie attended St. Peter's Episcopal Church, where her son is the rector. Marie was a most beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. In her younger days, Marie was an avid fisherwoman (she could filet a flounder like no one else), seamstress, garden club member, and devoted volunteer at church especially with the Altar Guild. She was also an accomplished gardener and tremendous cook who generously shared her knowledge with her family and friends. Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Joseph Bernard Zalesak, and her dear brother, Kenneth Schoener. She is survived by her cherished son, Rev. Dr. Richard Zalesak, daughter-in-law Meredith Uher Zalesak, grandchildren Trish and Joseph Zalesak, sisters Pauline Brown and Virgie (Bill) Harlan and brothers, Sonny (Evelyn) Schoener, Anton (Paula) Schoener , Frank (Pat) Schoener, sister-in-law Josephine Zalesak Schlebach and many nieces and nephews.A Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 311 W. 7th St. in Columbia, TN on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 6:30 with visitation beginning in the Parish Hall at 5:30. The Rev. Tom Wilson, officiating.Memorials designated to the Altar Guild may be sent to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 311 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401.