Carrie Majewski Gurka Walkoviak

1924-2021

Died peacefully of natural causes on November 23, 2021.  Born Kazimiera Petronella Majewski, she was the second of six children born to Tony and Veronica (Mozdzinski) Majewski almost 98 years ago in the Sauney Stand Community (Southeast of Chappell Hill, Texas). It was a time in which hard work and family was priority. Despite Polish being her first language, Carrie attended Armstrong School and learned English. The Majewski siblings walked in unpredictable Texas weather over one mile each way on an unpaved road. Carrie, at age eight, lost her father unexpectedly.  Her mother, now head of household, bravely raised their young children and managed somehow to work the family's 111 acre farm. History would repeat itself, as Carrie would also lose her first husband, raised two young sons and manage the family's rental property.

Carrie married Anzelmas Floyd Gurka on July 18, 1943 at St. Stanislaus Chappell Hill (m. 26 years). They were blessed with three children.  Zelma died of multiple myeloma on March 14, 1970. Carrie met Joe Louis Walkoviak and were married at St. Rose of Lima Houston on June 17, 1978. (m. 43 years)

This energetic lady learned to appreciate and embrace the cultures of the Polish American lifestyle of fun, food, music and dancing at an early age. She found a particular interest in polka and waltz music. She taught all three of her children the art of dancing. Carrie loved ballroom dancing and always said that "it was her exercise". She followed television personality and fitness guru Jack LaLane every morning to get her work out.

Other pastimes included Funjets to Vegas and Elko Nevada. As soon as she and Joe returned, they were already booking another trip. This was their routine until Louisiana opened up casinos for business. On those Coushatta bus trips, Carrie had her special bag ready to go on a moment's notice. She looked forward to playing bingo at local venues and playing house card games with Stash, Tilly, Alois and Elizabeth. Carrie followed the stock market, too. A green thumb gardener, she enjoyed tending to house plants and probligating her Dutch amaryllis bulbs in her outside flower garden. Faithful to her classic country music, Carrie listened to KWHI radio in Brenham, catching up with "News-at-Noon" from Washington County and the Ronnie and Hazel Dutka Saturday morning music radio show from Cypress. She was thrilled when fiddler Brian Marshall rescued all those old Polish tunes from obscurity. Carrie was a huge fan of the Molly B. Polka Party and just couldn't get enough of the Big Joe Polka show. In her car, the radio frequency was tuned-in to a Country & Western station.

She was a fantastic cook preparing delicious country recipes from scratch. Carrie's awesome desserts included cakes, pecan, dewberry and meringue pies. Her legendary coconut cream pie and chocolate delight were family favorites, though.

Carrie was a member of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus #2917 ladies auxiliary and SPJST Pokrok Lodge #88.  When she could no longer attend Mass, she tuned into EWTN for her spiritual needs.  She was a past member of St. Stanislaus Chappell Hill, Christ the King, St. Rose of Lima, St. Elizabeth Seton, and St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Community.

Our loving mother lived unconditionally for her family. Carrie was a devoted wife, mother, and Granny. Her family remained her sole passion throughout her life. "I don't want to leave y'all" is what she would say when discussing death.

Carrie was predeceased by her parents, first husband, sisters; Emilie Wisnieske, Nancy Kubeczka, Pauline Stepanski, brothers; Eddie and Tom Majewski, niece; Barbara Stepanski. Survivors - husband Joe Walkoviak. Children; Betty Mikolajchak (Clarence), Larry Gurka (Elizabeth), Marvin Gurka (Dorothy). Grandchildren; Christie Cripps (Chris), Wendy Martin (Tracy), Christopher Gurka (girlfriend Lina), Michael Gurka (Kristina). Great Grandchildren; Alyssa Cripps, Quentin Martin, Scott Cripps, Matthew Cripps, Landon Gurka and Presley Gurka. Sister-in-law Elizabeth Nowak (August). First cousins; Lillian Sechelski and Bruno Majewski Jr.

Pallbearers; Christopher Gurka, Michael Gurka, Chris Cripps, Scott Cripps, Matthew Cripps, Quentin Martin, Geoff Gorka, and Tracy Wisnieske. Honorary pallbearers; Henry Wisnieske Jr., Vincent Gurka, Marion "Bill" Gurka, Alois Mazurkiewicz and Tracy Martin. Special caregiver Wendy Gurka Martin.

Cy-Fair Klein Funeral home

9719 Wortham Blvd, Houston, Texas 77065

Visitation - Tuesday, November 30, 5-8 p.m. Vigil service and Rosary 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial - Wednesday, December 1, 10:30 a.m.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Community

10135 West Road, Houston, Texas 77064

Interment Forest Park Westheimer Calvary Cemetery