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Ann Elizabeth Jendrzey of San Antonio joined her husband in Heaven at the age of 90 on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Ann was born November 16, 1932, in San Antonio to Olov and Elizabeth (Eichinger) Johnson. From a very young age, she was full of curiosity and interest in what people were doing. Ann was always a good listener and willing to help. She was an only child so she would be out and about visiting with the neighbor ladies, fixing their hair, and playing with the other children. She went to St. Leo’s Catholic School, where she was recognized by the nuns as someone who not only excelled in her studies but could also help the other children with theirs. She loved to read and write – hoping that one day she might write a book. In fact, while still in elementary school she published a story in the newspaper describing what she thought she would do on her first day in Heaven – visit all the planets. Now, it is comforting to remember her talking about her childhood impression of what her first day in Heaven would be like. She was a wonderful daughter, sure to include her parents in all her activities, both before and after she married. As they aged and needed more help, without hesitation, she continued to personally care for them. She was amazing to watch and was such a great role model for her children. Ann attended Blessed Sacrament High School where she was in the band, and then Incarnate Word College, hoping to become a nurse. However, due to financial constraints she decided to leave and went to work at USAA. She enjoyed her time at USAA and passed her interests in the medical field and music on to her children and grandchildren. Ann, a very devout Catholic, met her husband, Charles at a St. Leo’s bowling event. After dating for less than a year, they married and raised a wonderful family. Ann was a loving and selfless wife. While working full time, Charles attended and graduated from St. Mary’s University. Ann was all in when it came to supporting him in obtaining his degree. With all the children in tow, she would meet him at the University to bring him supper before his classes. She helped type up his term papers for his classes and was always happy to listen to stories about his professors. Ann and Charles took such pride in their six children, all of whom attended college, five graduating, and four receiving post graduate degrees – a contractor, a dentist, two lawyers, a pediatrician, and a school cafeteria employee. Ann, a true multi-tasker, was seen daily leaning over the kitchen table helping children with their homework and projects while cooking supper on the stove. She even found time to listen to her children’s friends’ stories of their day at school or to add a plate for them at the table for supper. When her mother could no longer sew, she taught herself to sew. She made all the girls’ prom dresses, so they always had an Ann original. But most importantly, their children always knew that no matter what they did or didn’t do, they were loved unconditionally. She made sure that they understood that living a purposeful life can be fun and exciting, but also includes hard work, a good education and most importantly being a good person. After being away from the workforce for several years, Ann went back to college to take some business courses so she could again work outside of the home. Ann was very smart, but she didn’t take anything for granted and wanted to be prepared. She worked as the office manager for Stanley H. Kaplan Educational Center for many years. She loved it, was brilliant at it and was recognized in 1991 for her exceptional work. However, she was more than just an office manager, befriending and being an encouraging and supportive friend to many physicians who had traveled to the US, preparing for the licensing exam, and acclimating to a new country. She loved to read, write, and do crossword puzzles. There was always an open book on her bed, and a crossword puzzle on the kitchen table in progress. Her last letter to a friend was mailed out the day she passed. She loved to travel and visited wonderful parts of the country. As reflected in many of the condolences the family has received, it is clear she was loved by many. She was more than a wonderful daughter, wife and mother. She was an excellent baker, seamstress, teacher, riot control officer, advocate, insurance specialist, chauffer, recruiter, counselor, role model, and friend to her children, their friends and others she met along the way. She is going to be sorely missed by her family, but they know she is in Heaven with their father and our Lord. The family hopes that after their father and Baby Jesus finish telling her about all the things they have been doing, she has a chance to travel to see each of the planets. Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Charles J. Jendrzey, her parents and her son in law, Larry Jurak. She is survived by her children, Carol Jendrzey, Agnes Jurak, Dr. Diane Jendrzey, M.D., Dr. Belinda Johnson, D.D.S. and husband, Scott, Charles Jendrzey, Jr. and wife, Ruth and Edward Jendrzey and wife, Elizabeth; grandchildren, Brian Jurak (Brittany), Matthew Jurak, Mary Jendrzey (Collin), 2ndLt Michael Jendrzey, USMC (Hannah), Jacob Jendrzey, Dr. Connor Johnson, M.D., Anna Jendrzey (4th year medical student), Gunnar Jendrzey, Erik Jendrzey; and great grandchildren, Lily Wren and Willow Grace. SERVICES Visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. followed by the Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 350 Sutton Drive. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Road. In honor of Ann, we hope you will consider a donation to the San Antonio Youth Literacy Program ~ http://sayl.org/, Special Olympics Texas ~ https://www.sotx.org or a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Ann Elizabeth Jendrzey

November 16, 1932 - September 19, 2023