Margie Kovar

Margie Kovar, a resident of Brenham for 30 years, passed away Tuesday, June 3 at her home.

She was born in La Grange, Texas, January 19, 1956 to Willie Kovar and Angeline Kulhanek Kovar of Ellinger, Texas. Baptized at St. Mary’s Church, Hostyn Hill by Father Francis Kolar on January 29, 1956, she was also confirmed at the same church by Bishop Louis Reicher on April 4, 1965.

Margie attended public school in La Grange and graduated from high school in 1974. Working for the school newspaper she developed an interest in journalism.

After attending Blinn for two years she went to Texas A&M and graduated in 1978 with a degree in journalism.

Immediately after graduation the Brenham Banner Press offered her a position as staff reporter. Here she introduced a weekly feature article titled “People Profiles”.

The first was with Dr. Walter Schwarz. Ten years and 518 interviews later, vividly able to recall each and every one and having attained a position of assistant managing editor she left the newspaper to work at Blinn College, but not before being recognized with the Chrysalis Award, Texas Women’s Political Caucus with honors from the associated Press with a Writing Award, Team Effort.

As Director of Public Information for the Blinn College System she was active in supporting student activities and helped in documenting the school history.

Aside from her career, Margie was active in the community and local civic affairs. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham serving on the parish council and also as a member of the PCCW-After Care.

Volunteering for church blood drives she donated over 5 gallons on blood to the Gulf Coast Region Blood Center.

She was also a member of the Exchange Club, serving as its first women president.

Later as a Rotarian she served as its president and attained a perfect 12 year attendance record. She also held the position of Assistant to the District Governor and participated in Rotary International as a member of the Rotary International Study Exchange Group.

In 1999 she was recognized as Rotarian of the Year. She also served on the Board of Trinity Care Center, the Economic Development Foundation of Washington County, director of the Boys and Girls Club and was active in the Faith Mission and Help Center.

She was member of the Professional Advisory Council, Blinn Ex-Students Association, Blinn College Foundation and Texas A&M University Association of Former Students. In 2007 she was selected as Washington County’s “Woman of the Year”.

As an avid sports fan she followed the Blinn Bucaneers, Texas Aggies, Houston Astros and the Dallas Cowboys. She felt very fortunate to having been able to interview both Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.

After the interview, Aikman was overheard saying it was one of his most enjoyable interviews ever.

Personal interests were varied. Her major collections were depression glassware and penguin artifacts. She liked to quilt, work crossword puzzles and read, especially history and historical novels.

She enjoyed traveling. Being of Czech ancestry she went to the Czech Republic twice. Other travels extended from Indonesia to Canada to the British Isles to Germany and Italy and 32 to of the 50 U.S. states.

Preceded in dead by her parents, Willie and Angeline Kovar, she is survived by her older brother James; her younger brother Randy, his wife Kim and their daughter Robyn and son Ross; and close friends Billy and Sheri Rich and their family Bradley Rich, and Tiffany, Joseph and John Douglas Fritz.

Visitation with family will be Thursday, June 5, 2008 from 6-7 p.m. followed by a rosary with Father Alberto Borruel at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 6th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Brenham with Father David Ivey, as Celebrant.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the caregivers and Hospice who shared in the love and care given Margie during her illness.

Margie continued her selfless contribution of life in the donation of her body to the Texas A&M Medical and Anatomical Department for the study of science.

Memorial Contributions may be given to The American Cancer Society or Blinn College Foundation.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, Texas. 979.836.3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com