Bernice H. Vavrecka a lifelong resident of Sealy passed away peacefully on February 1, 2022, in Katy, TX. She was 86 years old.

Bernice Blanche Hauerland was born on January 1, 1936, in Sealy as the eldest child to parents John and Frances (Hamala) Hauerland. She was baptized at Immaculate Conception Church in Sealy and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Frydek. Bernice graduated from Sealy High School in 1954. She was employed with Monarch Foods in Sugar Land from 1955-1959 and Citizens State Bank in Sealy from 1959 until her retirement in 2001. It was in Sugar Land where she met James Vavrecka. They were married on May 4, 1958, at Immaculate Conception Church and celebrated 53 years of marriage at the time of his death on December 25, 2011. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church, as well as a member of the Altar Society. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #442.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Jana Schmidt and husband Brad of Katy; grandsons, Trevor William Schmidt and Tanner James Schmidt of Katy; brother-in-law Kenneth Stuessel of Sealy; sisters-in-law Sharon Hauerland of Meridian and Billye Jean Hauerland of Burton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents John and Frances Hauerland, husband James Vavrecka, sister Doris Stuessel, brothers Johnnie Hauerland and Ben Hauerland, and nephew Jason Hauerland.

Bernice had a very sharp mind and enjoyed find-a-word puzzles. She also enjoyed playing bingo and slots and watching the Game Show Network on TV. She loved working in her yard and caring for her plants. Most of all, Bernice enjoyed being around her family, especially her beloved grandsons, Trevor and Tanner.

She will be missed by her family and friends.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Sealy, the ICC Cemetery Fund, or to the charity of choice.