Geraldine Felchak

MONICA GERALDINE SPENCE FELCHAK, a lifetime resident of Bellville, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2010, in Bellville at the age of 93. She was born February 22, 1917, in Bellville, Texas, the daughter of John Bud and Nora Morris Spence. On June 4, 1934, she married her tall, dark and handsome husband, T.J. Felchak. In 1935, they started their family and eventually had six children. Geraldine "Dena" Felchak was a devoted wife and mother. She was very active in the community and a member of many organizations including Young at Heart, Austin County TEEA and Catholic Women. She enjoyed her once-a-month Ladies Tea. In addition, Geraldine was very active at home. She enjoyed gardening, and being a skilled ranch woman. She took pride in naming each and every new calf with a unique name. With a smile always on her face, she had a special kind of love that only her kids could explain. She was a very gentle woman who knew no strangers. A lady to the end, she always dressed in her finest for even the smallest occasions. To her family, she was known as the legendary dessert-cooking queen. Geraldine's home was a mirror of herself. Her outside gardens were full of beauty, while the inside was full of history and memories. Walking into her house was a breath-taking experience for anyone who visited. One would want to see and touch everything, all the while being careful not to break anything. One of Geraldine's favorite stories to retell over and over was her legendary trip to Las Vegas to celebrate her 85th birthday. It was the first and only visit. When her daughters let her pick out one show, she chose Wayne Newton. Little did she know what she was in for. Newton brought her up on stage and sang her favorite song while holding her hand. One of her lifelong goals was to guarantee to keep her family, as well as her friends, together. Each year she would hold two big family functions where friends were always welcome. The 4th of July was always held at her house in her beautiful yard. It was a sight to see - children running around, family playing horseshoes, and the women trading pictures of their growing families. In the middle of all the chaos, Geraldine would sit in her swing and, with loving eyes, enjoy every minute of it. The host of Family Christmas would rotate among her children each year. It was always full of glitz and glamour and gifts galore. Every room was full of laughter, well wishes, hugs and kisses. Over the years, her family grew to well over 50 people, yet always took special time to celebrate Geraldine's wonderful family traditions. Geraldine leaves behind to cherish all the wonderful memories, HER CHILDREN: Hannah Joy and Larry Pipes of Henderson, Shirley and Buddy Felchak of Katy, Cathy Stigent and Edward "Andy" Felchak of Bellville, Cody and Charlie Hughey, also of Bellville, and Jan and David McGuire of San Antonio; GRANDCHILDREN: Van and Mike Boyd of Spring, Jana and Harold Cox of Longview, Tandy and Larry Pipes, II of Tyler, Cheri and Dale Edwards of Houston, T.J. Felchak, III of Chappell Hill, Colton Felchak of Katy, Shadel and Evan Engler of Bellville, Edward Felchak, Jr. of Trinity, Vivian and Rick Reeves of Trinity, Dee Dee and Lee Felchak of The Woodlands, Peggy and Brian Felchak of Orange, Nadine and Ron Vogt of Bellville, Cassie and Zeb Hughey of Houston, Cody and Jayson Alexander of San Antonio, Jenee and Cary Griffin of San Antonio; 21 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; 4 GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; and HER SISTER: Beatrice Jackson of Liverpool; along with many other dear friends and relatives. Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Walter Lee Felchak, sisters, Agnes Buck, Nellie Bacon, Rose Hauch, Annie Wright, Nora Fields, Julia Pearson, and brother, Lee Spence.