Gladys Elizabeth Tomasek

Gladys Elizabeth Tomasek, age 82, went to be with her Heavenly Father on February 11, 2026.

She was born on March 1, 1943, in Taylor, Texas to Willard and Annie Jackson. During school, she played basketball, was a baton twirler and played the snare and base drum for Academy High School.

Gladys married her high school sweetheart Darwin Tomasek on October 21,1961 in Temple, Texas. After getting married, they moved to Houston, Texas where they shared a beautiful life together for 64 years filled with love, laughter, and family. Together, Gladys and Darwin had three daughters, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren (plus one on the way), and were founding members of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy, Texas. They were active members of the Church throughout their lives, helping to coordinate the Bingo concession stand for many years. Gladys was a Eucharistic minister and served as a Confirmation Sponsor to many in her family. Darwin and Gladys enjoyed spending time together, listening and dancing to Polka music and spending many of their Friday nights at high school football games where they were lovingly referred to as the “Band Grandparents”. They traveled to new and exciting places like Egypt, Italy, Brazil, and Alaska and inspired their family to do the same.

Gladys was a school bus driver for 25 years, often dragging her grandchildren along to learn her routes or to help train new aides on the lifts. She always kept her mind busy, whether she was reading a book, working on a puzzle or word games. She enjoyed many years on a bowling league.

One of our family’s most cherished memories of Gladys, is how she brought us all together simply by cooking. We all grew up in her kitchen with home cooked meals and the most amazing cookies and candy; all made with love. Her favorite endearment was after all, calling her loved one’s “Sugar”. She looked forward to holidays when her whole family would be in her house, sharing a meal they all cooked together.

Her love for God and family helped Gladys to live a truly incredible life. Like most, she faced hardships, but Gladys never let that get in the way of her joy for life. She was quick to laugh and to deal with any tough situation with humor. She was a devoted Sister, Wife, Mama, Maw Maw, and Great Maw Maw, even collecting bonus kids and grandkids throughout her life. Her joy for life and family will always be a treasured memory.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Annie Jackson.

She is survived by: her husband, Darwin Tomasek; her daughters, Michelle & spouse Warren Zimmermann, Paula & spouse William Matthews, and Elizabeth Tomasek; her grandchildren: Danielle and spouse Chas Downey, Christopher and spouse Allison Matthews, J.R. and spouse Laine Zimmermann, and Joshua and spouse Emily Matthews; her great-grandchildren: Ava Matthews, Eli Downey, Cora Matthews, Oliver Matthews, and Violet Matthews; her sister, Pat Holloman; along with extended family, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends who will cherish her memory.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Mason Creek Transitional Care of Katy for the loving care they gave mom. Their kindness, caring, and devotion to her well-being helped our family navigate the daily changes we experienced these last 6 months. We greatly appreciate each and every one of you.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, February 16th, followed by Rosary from 7:00-8:00 pm at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas.

A funeral service will be held at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas on Tuesday, February 17th at 2:00 pm, with a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery at 3:00 pm.

A reception will be held after at the DPC building - next to the church by the Parish office

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes or Heart Foundation