Obituary of Virginia Louise Marek

Virginia Louise (Springer) Marek, 90, was born December 24, 1929, in Dallas, Texas, and died July 3, 2020, in Austin, Texas.  Her parents were William Soloman Springer and Eathel Marie (Booth) Springer. Virginia grew up in Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, where she and Raymond Joe Marek were senior class officers.  She and Ray were married at Greenville Avenue Christian Church December 23, 1950, on a snowy night.

They were blessed with three children:  Joe, Anne Marie, and David.  In the summer of 1974, the family moved to Austin when Ray took a job with the Texas State Board of Insurance.  They became members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church where Virginia served for many years as church secretary.  She dearly loved Gethsemane, attending worship and participating in many ministries and activities.

Virginia will be remembered for her strong commitment to serving all people, especially the needy and powerless.   She was an advocate for peace and justice for every person and helped start and lead a homeless kitchen, providing meals to many people.  Annually, she walked in the CROP Walk and in her later years still remained a top fundraiser for CROP.  She was passionate about and demanded that breast cancer awareness include the fact that men, too, get breast cancer and die from it, as Ray did. 

For years Virginia joyfully completed the Capital 10,000, always earning a finisher medal and on occasion a top finisher in her age category.  She enjoyed reading and watching her favorite game shows on television; especially Jeopardy.  An ardent Scrabble player, daily she completed crossword puzzles and word searches.  She was an avid follower of all UT sports, especially football and basketball. Hook ‘em Horns!  She will be remembered for having a “green thumb” and every year growing and cultivating beautiful plants and a bountiful vegetable garden. 

Every day and night began and ended with prayer, scripture reading and various devotions.  These disciplines strengthened her throughout her life and especially during her final years and months.  Never fearing death, her legacy remains a strong testament of her faith.  May her baptismal promises be claimed and her new life begin!

Virginia is survived by her children:  Joe (Michele Vonderheide), Anne Marie (Chuck) Cook, and David (Julia); grandchildren:  Joanna Marek, Frank Marek, Chuck (Madi) Cook, and Adam Cook; great-grandchildren:  Tatum and Charles Cook.  She is predeceased by her husband, Ray, and her parents.

A private graveside service will be held July 18, 2020 at Grove Hill Cemetery, Dallas, TX.  A memorial service will be planned for a later date.  Memorials may be sent to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Buckner Villas, or Hospice Austin.