Theresa Ann Hluza

**In Loving Memory of Theresa Hluza

*February 14, 1935 – August 5, 2025

With deep love and gratitude for a well lived life, we announce the passing of Theresa Ann Hluza, of West Columbia, TX who departed this world peacefully on August 5th at the age of 90. Born on Valentine’s Day in El Maton, TX in 1935, Theresa brought warmth and devotion into every life she touched marked by the day she was born.

The eldest of seven children of George and Louise Orsak, Theresa was raised on a family farm where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and resilience—qualities that would define her throughout her life. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Leonard Orsak, Marilyn Orsak Hollas, George Orsak Jr. and her beloved husband Lawrence Hluza. She is survived by her siblings Tommy Orsak, Barbara Orsak Manna and Jane Orsak Lacroix.

Together with her husband of 48 years, they raised four sons who will deeply miss her. Brian Hluza (Vicky), Lawrence Hluza (Donna), Matthew Hluza, and Andrew Hluza (Lisa), grandchildren; Stephanie Hluza, Dr. Aly Kim (David), Drew Hluza, Drew Morehead (Shanna), Tasha Moorehead (Justin), Tiffany Bryan, Shea Bryan (Amber) Nick Hluza (Brooke), Nathan Hluza, Will Hluza , Sarah Hluza, and ten great-grandchildren; and extended family, and all who were blessed to know her.

Theresa and Lawrence were founding members of St. John’s Catholic Church in West Columbia, where Theresa was a devoted leader in the Alter Guild, Catholic Daughters, and the Legion of Mary. Her hands and heart were always busy – whether preparing meals for church bazaars, turkey dinners, sewing, gardening or baking for family and friends. Anyone who knew Theresa loved her famous kolaches, tea rings, pies and chicken noodle soup, just to mention a few.

She had a deep love for travel, exploring the US and abroad with her husband and later her family. Her journeys took her to the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Venezuela, Ireland and Italy where she never met a stranger.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia on Sunday, August 10th starting at 5pm, and Rosary beginning at 6:30.

A funeral Mass will be held in at St John the Apostle Catholic Church in West Columbia on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10:30 am with lunch to follow. Procession to the burial site in Damon, TX at Cyril and Methodious Cemetery in Damon, Texas will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alter Guild of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in West Columbia.