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Irene J. Rostik of Shavano Park, Texas passed away on November 14, 2021 at the age of 79 from complications related to glioblastoma. She was born to parents, Frantisek and Ruzena Bistry, in Stary Plzenec, in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia on June 11, 1942. In 1964, Irene met the love of her life, Libor Rostik, and the two soon hatched a daring escape plan to defect from what had sadly become communist rule in the Czech Republic. In 1968, with little in their suitcases or wallets, and with a limited command of the English language, the pair executed a clandestine defection to Canada to liberate their lives and start anew. Within a few years, their daughter, Tracy, was born, and the family soon relocated to Dallas, Texas, where they proudly became American citizens and spent many happy years. There, through hard work and dedication, the Rostik family ascended, and Irene soon found herself playing tennis at the Country Club, regularly lunching with other ladies, and sending her daughter to SMU. Irene was forced to stay away from the Czech Republic for over 20 years since a return after defecting would have resulted in imprisonment or worse. However, on November 17, 1989, days after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Czech Republic experienced its ‘Velvet Revolution’, a peaceful overthrow of the communist party and a restoration of democracy. When the new government annulled their prison sentences, Irene and her family returned to the Czech Republic, tearfully reuniting in Prague with family and friends whom they had not seen in decades. Irene continued to live in the United States thereafter as a dedicated American who strongly supported our country’s core values of freedom and independence. She was also a staunch Republican. Irene was a passionate person, a fierce competitor, unafraid of others, and intensely loyal and protective of her family. She also enjoyed cooking, with Czech Christmas cookies being one of her specialities. Irene held a joy of life and loved to travel, celebrate, socialize and dance. A sharp and perceptive woman, she understood the meaning of ‘quality’ and demanded it in every aspect of her life. In recent years, Irene and Libor moved to the San Antonio, Texas area to be near their handsome grandsons, Gus and Leo. Irene loved and doted on her grandsons, treasuring the years that she spent with them, including the many birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmases and Easters. Irene is survived by her husband, Libor, of 53 years of marriage; daughter, Tracy (Segrato) and husband, Glen; her grandsons, Gus and Leo; brother, Vaclav Bistry; sister, Libuse Bistra; and many nieces and nephews in the Czech Republic. Her family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Vitus Inpatient Hospice Unit. A graveside service for immediate family will be held at Mission Burial Park North Dominion, where she will be interred. After the holidays, a celebration of her life will be held in early January in San Antonio with friends, neighbors and family. You may leave a message or memory on the Tribute Wall here on her memorial.

Tributes

Irene J. Rostik

June 11, 1942 - November 14, 2021