Martha Krejci, loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, 91, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2019. She was born August 5, 1927 in Jourdanton, Texas. She was raised in Corpus Christi, graduating from Corpus Christi HS in 1945. She married her husband of 50 years, Erwin, on October 14, 1947. She will always be remembered for her devotion to family, church, community, and her love of gardening. Martha is preceded in death by her parents, John and Sophie Kollaja; husband; daughter Patricia Geisler; grandson Jeffrey Geisler; brothers and spouses Albert (May), Alvin (Joyce); and Edward. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses Carol Nemec (Jerry); Nanette Zamora (Sal); son John Krejci (Mollie); and son-in-law Jim Geisler; her brother Frank (Betty Ann); 5 grandchildren: Becky Geisler Mays (Justin), Deborah Geisler Glass, Jeremy Nemec (Alisa), Brian Nemec (Ashley), and Emily Campbell; 2 step-grandchildren: Adrianna and Juan; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren of Argentina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Martha lived in Texas her entire lifetime, spending 75 years in the Corpus Christi area. She was an excellent seamstress, making her own wedding dress and those of her bridal party. Her daughters benefitted from her talent, as they always had a beautiful new dress to wear. At an early age, she learned to cook for her family, and passed those skills on to her children.
Martha accomplished much during her lifetime. She was a member and officer in the KJZT, Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens, Rose Society, and the Order of the Sultanas. She also started 3 businesses: Wedding/Event catering; Martha’s Pantry, a neighborhood restaurant; and was a Shaklee Supervisor.
As a devout Catholic, she was an involved member of St. Peter’s, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church, for over 40 years. She was a member of the Altar Society, Bible Study, the Parish Council, a Eucharistic Minister, and the Polka Mass Choir. Following her husband Erwin’s death, Martha was instrumental in establishing the landscaping on the St. Peter’s grounds, and the Memory Garden pavers that you see today. With the monetary gifts from Erwin’s funeral, the Marquee and brick flowerbed in front of the church were created in his memory. She was awarded the Jefferson Volunteer Service Award in 2004 for her work at the church and in the community.
Martha loved gardening, growing beautiful flowers, and sharing her knowledge of roses. This led her to becoming a Master Gardener. Her extensive rose garden included Antique Roses, American Roses, and English Roses. Her backyard was an explosion of colors: reds, pinks, purples, yellows, and white. Her talents earned her the honor of being on the Corpus Christi Garden Tour, hosting many visitors to her lovely garden. Her Krejci Garden was featured in a publication by the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, In Our Backyards, in 2005.
Martha was a brave and generous person, who wanted to make the world a more beautiful place. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Special thanks to the caregivers at Holmgren Assisted Living for their loving care and compassion. Also, our sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers at the Nest of Scenic Hills and to Embrace Hospice and her devoted nurse for their compassionate care of our mother.
Visitation/Rosary will be Tuesday, July 9 at 5:00-7:00 pm at Seaside Funeral Home, with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, July 10, 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 3901 Violet Road, Corpus Christi, Texas. Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.
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