Obituary of Beatrice Elizabeth Henneke

Beatrice Elizabeth (Matusek) Henneke, 89, of Pearland, Texas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 19, 2024. Born on August 12, 1935, in Sweet Home, Texas, to Adolph and Justina Matusek, she was the cherished only daughter and was the youngest of four children with three older brothers.

Growing up on a farm, Beatrice worked alongside her parents and siblings planting crops, picking cotton, and caring for the land. These experiences shaped her remarkable work ethic, which she carried throughout her life. She graduated from Yoakum High School in 1953.

In 1955, Beatrice married the love of her life, Paul Henneke, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home, TX. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family, faith, and community. Throughout her life, she and Paul spent their weekends in Hallettsville at the family farm where she grew up, maintaining their connection to the land and relishing time together.

A proud Czech, Beatrice found great joy in celebrating her heritage. She loved attending reunions, picnics, 4th of July gatherings, and lively polka dances with lifelong friends. She especially enjoyed sharing these traditions with her granddaughters, passing on family recipes, attending dances, and savoring kolaches and barbecue dinners together.

Beatrice and Paul moved to Pearland in 1971, where she worked for HISD until her retirement. A devout Catholic, Beatrice was a faithful parishioner of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, actively serving through the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #2330 and as a member of K.J.Z.T. #125.

Beatrice is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Paul Henneke; her son, Melvin Henneke and wife Kimberly; her daughter, Mary Simms and husband Kurt; four cherished grandchildren, Caroline Henneke, Courtney Hailey and husband Barry Don, Valerie Durham and husband Ben, and Victoria Simms; and two beloved great-grandchildren, Barry and Clara Hailey. Beatrice's family was her pride and joy, and she was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her third great-granddaughter, Valerie and Ben’s daughter.

She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of dear neighbors and friends.