Sister Mary Angelee Kowalik

Sister Mary Angelee Kowalik
March 3, 1934 – May 16, 2016

Felician Franciscan, Sister Mary Angelee Kowalik passed away in Mission Trail Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, TX, on May 16, 2016. Born to Anton and Martha (Janysek) Kowalik in Helena, TX, she was baptized Mary Angeline the day after her birth. Raised on a farm she developed a deep love for all creation and learned all the vital basics of “build and repair.” Upon completing her elementary education, Mary entered Our Mother of Good Counsel High School in Chicago, IL, in 1947 and after graduation followed her call to become a Felician Sister. In 1953, when a new province was formed in Ponca City, OK, Sister (then) Gualberta became a part of this new entity. It was also in 1953 that she began her life-long education adventure, teaching kindergarten students in Tonkawa, OK. From 1954–1956 sister taught multiple grades in Birmingham, AL. 1956 took her to Pomona, CA, where she again taught three grades at St. Joseph School and music while she served as liturgist, organist and vocalist for the parish. Again sister moved eastward and from 1963-1966, taught triple grades along with the music related ministries. Westward again, now Sister Angelee ministered at Pomona Catholic High School from 1966-1976 where she taught music at all levels and moderated the “Glee Club.” In 1976 Sister made her final move back to Texas and began her circuit of years in Panna Maria, then moved on to Floresville, Cestohova, Karnes City and San Antonio. Again often teaching multiple grades she continued to work with all the love and energy needed wherever she went. From 1980 to 1988 she served as principal of St, Margaret Mary School in San Antonio. From1997-1999 Sister took time out to work for her degree in Counseling and engaged in that ministry in several San Antonio Schools to the end. The details of her works are many for she never spared herself. Jack of all trades who mastered them all, Sister Angelee could be found on the roof-top doing repairs, in the yard installing a sprinkler system, around the house re-doing or installing screens, mowing the lawn, planting flowers and trees, painting and the list could go on and on. She was a super cook and baker who took pride in her work and always found joy in the joys of others. Her bow-knots were a light as clouds. A truly practical woman, she was never afraid of work. She was a naturally gifted musician and vocalist and many parishes and families benefitted from her many talents. She was always ready and willing to help wherever she could and made her mark in our world. She was a fun-loving, serious, deeply spiritual person who gathered her gifts into words of poetry of which she became a weaver, especially in her final years. To the end, she served on numerous committees throughout the province as she shared her skills as liturgist and musician. We loved her in life and we love her in death. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Archie and Herman Kowalik and her sisters Theresa Kowalik and Irene Kopecki. She is survived by her sisters Lillian Pollok and Frances Johnson. Rosary and Wake services will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Convent, located at 4210 Meadowlark Lane SE, in Rio Rancho, NM at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 9:30 AM at the same location. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque, NM.