Tributes

Josephine (Lempa) Krzywonski passed away on June 4, 2022, after a brief illness, at the age of 98, in San Antonio, TX. She was born on April 11, 1924, in Cuero, TX, and would remain a loyal citizen of Texas for her entire life. Josephine (fondly known as Jo Jo—a nickname courtesy of her grandchildren) was the eldest daughter of the ten children born to Joe Lempa and Adela Wisniewski. Josephine devoted her life to the nurturance of family and the security of a stable home. She knew what it meant to be a caring daughter. She knew what it meant to be a protective sister to her siblings. She knew what it meant to be a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her influence would extend to numerous nieces and nephews and to their children as well. And often to a wider community of family friends of all ages. Anyone who knew Josephine also knew that she was devoted to the Catholic faith. Until recent years, she and her husband Thomas Krzywonski had been long time members of St. Gerard’s Catholic Church in San Antonio, raising and educating six children based on the Catholic traditions she honored. Jo Jo was known especially for her Thanksgiving feasts, peerless fried chicken and potato salad, pecan pie, huge pancakes and extra sweet ice tea. Her kitchen was always the center of family visits and delicious smells. She loved nature and the outdoors and was especially fond of birds. (Credible family witnesses have seen how bright red Cardinals—her favorite bird—would regularly congregate outside any window or glass door she was seated at—unafraid and ready to visit. If she was not visible, they would sometimes peck relentlessly on the glass surfaces as if to be say “Come out and play!”) Dogs AND cats responded enthusiastically to her presence and she to theirs. She also loved dancing, the cowboy music of George Strait, playing bingo and was a competitive dominoes opponent. Most of all, Josephine is remembered for her resilient and determined personality. Some may say she was stubborn; yet she had the integrity to stand by her beliefs and values against all odds. Her long life gave her perspective and a growing compassion. Josephine’s wholesome, common sense advice was well known to her family. She is survived by her six children Mike and Thomas (Chris), Laguna Vista, TX; Cedric, Phillipsburg, KS; Mark, Colorado Springs, CO; Andrew, Boerne, TX; and Cynthia De Riemer, Glen Allen, VA; 20 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Also three sisters, Loraine Reese, Austin, TX; Sally Rosenbusch, San Antonio, TX; and Rose Colby, Pensacola, FL. And numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. All Catholic Funeral Rites will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lockhart, TX on June 15, 2022. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Ed Karasek. Graveside services will take place at Polonia Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Dellcrest Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX, http://MissionParks.com. Condolence messages can be posted for the family at this website. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made for the preservation of the historic Polonia Cemetery. Donations can be sent to Mr. Randy Reese, c/o Polonia Cemetery Fund, 1914 Richcreek Rd., Austin, TX 78757

Tributes

Josephine Lempa Krzywonski

April 11, 1924 - June 4, 2022