Genevieve (Jurek) Giles

Genevieve Jurek Giles, 91, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016 in Brenham, Texas.

Genevieve was born April 12, 1925, in Aquilla, Texas to Sophia (Sulak) and Henry Jurek. She grew up in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in 1944. Genevieve was united in marriage to Robert Latham Giles in 1954 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Waco. During Robert’s time in the Air Force, they lived in England for several years before finishing his military career stateside.

Genevieve and Robert moved to Brenham in 1966 so he could begin his second career as a history instructor at Blinn College. They built a life in Brenham with their two daughters, Jennifer and Mary. Genevieve poured her whole heart, soul and life into her family. Genevieve and Robert were blessed with a wonderful marriage which exemplified Mark 10:8, “And the two will become one…”

Genevieve was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she served on the Parish Council, was the Chairman of the Bereavement Committee for many years, was a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women, and especially enjoyed participating in Bible studies and being a Sunday morning greeter.

Genevieve’s love for creating beautiful things was demonstrated by her enjoyment and commitment to the Bluebonnet Garden Club of which she was a member and past president. In the early days of the Heritage Society of Washington County, Genevieve was involved as the membership secretary and was a Life Member. In her later years, Genevieve found another way to put one of her favorite quotes into action, “Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours” (St. Teresa of Avila) by working with the Bread Partners of Washington County and serving on their Advisory Board.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Mary (Griffin) Giles and father-in-law, James Edward Giles; parents, Sophia (Sulak) and Henry Jurek; beloved husband, Robert Latham Giles, and three nephews.

Survivors include her daughters: Jennifer and husband, Mark Siemsglusz; and Mary and husband, Lance Kuecker (all of Brenham); seven grandchildren: Christopher Siemsglusz and friend, Emily Leitko (both of Houston); Mary Catherine (Siemsglusz) and husband, Matt David (Rayne, Louisiana); William Kuecker and wife, Jacqui (Denver, Colorado); Robbie Kuecker (Denton); Sara Siemsglusz (Brenham) and friend Justin Dreyer (College Station); James Kuecker (Brenham); and Caroline Kuecker (Brenham); as well as her brothers: Dr. George Jurek (Waco); Richard Jurek and wife, Rita (Waco); sister, Rita Ann and husband, Dr. O. B. Shelburne (Austin); and six nieces and six nephews.

The visitation will be held at Brenham Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, December 14 from 5-7 p.m., with rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 15 at 2 p.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish Activity Center on South Park Street, due to construction in the church sanctuary. There will be a graveside service immediately after the funeral mass at Calvary Cemetery, adjacent to Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. A reception will follow the graveside service at the St. Mary’s PAC.

Pallbearers will be Chris Siemsglusz, William Kuecker, Robbie Kuecker, James Kuecker, Matt David, Brian Jurek, Greg Jurek, John Jurek, Steven Shelburne and Kevin Shelburne.

Memorial donations may be directed to St. Mary’s Family Choir, St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University or Bread Partners of Washington County.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at wwwBrenhamMemorialChapel.com.