Mary Ann Honza
Sister Mary Ann Honza, CDP, entered eternal life peacefully and unexpectedly on May 29, 2023, in McCullough Hall Nursing Center, San Antonio, Texas at the age of 98. She was the third of nine children born to Joseph F. and Anastasia (Stella) Honza. Sister Mary Ann was born July 22, 1924, in Bardwell, Texas. Her baptismal name was Johanna Veronica. She answered God’s call to become a Sister of Divine Providence on June 21, 1943, and professed first vows on June 22, 1944. Sister Mary Ann taught elementary school during her 60 years of active ministry.
Sister Mary Ann grew up on a farm with her family. As a young girl she delivered a variety of fruits and vegetables to the Sisters of Divine Providence’s convent doorstep. Her familiarity and admiration of the Sisters’ cheerfulness, gratitude and respect attributed to her decision to enter the convent.
In 1939 Sister Mary Ann attended Our Lady of the Lake High School and graduated in two years and three summers. Once she became a Sister of Divine Providence she was assigned to a number of missions to minister as a teacher of first through eighth grades in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. She earned both a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Education from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, Texas. She was a beam of light and goodness and was generous with her smile. She was very welcoming and made others feel at home in her loving presence. She had the gift of making whomever she encountered know that they mattered.
She returned to San Antonio after her 60 years of ministry to serve her CDP community. Some of her many talents were put to use in the convent’s Feltin Center. She helped with arts & crafts, sewing and was known for her crocheting. Sister Mary Ann possessed the attributes that she admired in the Sisters and more! Her positive attitude and selflessness were just a few of her many gifts that made an impact on many generations of students, Sisters and staff.
She is survived by her two youngest brothers, Lawrence Joseph Honza (& wife, Ruth) and Jerome James Honza and all her other Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also survived by twelve nieces and five nephews, and numerous grand and great grand nieces and nephews. Sister Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Frank and Anastacia “Stella” (Horak) Honza, brothers: Joseph Frank Honza Jr. (& wife, Louise), Adolph Wesley Honza (& wife, Lucy) and Leo John Honza, and sisters: Adell Marie Honza, Mary Anastasia Patak (& husband, Joe) and Rosa Ann Honza, sister inlaw, Carol Honza (wife of Jerry), niece, Adell Marie Honza and nephew, Jon Paul Honza.
The Rosary was held Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Resurrection was held Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. All services were held in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.
