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Gladys Psencik Kana, 88, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Gladys was born February 1, 1938, in Bartons Creek, Fayette County, Texas, to Emil and Lillie (Vacek) Psencik. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Daniel David Kana, and her siblings, Lonnie Myers, Ed Psencik, and Bill Psencik. She is survived by her children, Deborah Kana Jones and husband, Tom; Denise Grace Kana; and Steven Louis Kana and wife, Rosemary; six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Gladys was a woman of deep Catholic faith whose life was centered on Christ, prayer, and her love for others. She attended daily Mass whenever she was able and continued her daily devotion through EWTN later in life. Her love for Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary was evident in the way she lived and in the encouragement she gave to those around her. She had a special love for young people and devoted many years to serving the youth of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church through the YES Youth Group, high school retreats, and religious education. She touched countless lives by encouraging young people in their faith and helping guide them in their relationship with Christ. Gladys was also deeply committed to the sanctity of human life and the protection of the unborn. She faithfully prayed and advocated for this cause, including participating in peaceful prayer outside Planned Parenthood and traveling to the Texas State Capitol to support legislation protecting the unborn. Another important part of her ministry was helping establish and organize Eucharistic Adoration at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. She coordinated volunteers, maintained the 24-hour schedule, and often filled in when needed. Her devotion to prayer was so strong that she could sometimes be found praying in the chapel in the middle of the night. Gladys also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She collected “heart rocks” from places she visited, turning them into cherished keepsakes shared with family and friends. She was a lifelong football fan, proudly supporting the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys, and later became an avid Texas Rangers fan, rarely missing a game. Above all, Gladys loved her family. Her greatest gift to them was the example of a life grounded in faith, prayer, compassion, and love. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to Christ will remain a lasting part of the lives of all who knew and loved her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rosewood Villas Assisted Living in Killeen, Texas, and Baylor Scott & White Hospice for the loving care and compassion they provided to Gladys and her family. SERVICES Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. San Antonio, TX The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Cemetery in Kovar, Texas. A luncheon will follow at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Parish Hall in Smithville, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gladys Kana’s memory to Texas Alliance for Life https://www.texasallianceforlife.org/donate/ or Pilgrim Center of Hope https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/

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Gladys Psencik Kana

February 1, 1938 - August 6, 2026