Emma Mary Vaclavik

February 24, 1939 - October 8, 2021

Our beloved Emma Mary Vaclavik “Granny” was welcomed into the gates of Heaven on October 8, 2021 at St. David’s Hospital in Austin after a lengthy hospital stay. Emma was born on February 24, 1939 to Julius & Annie (Thompson) Zapalac in Hallettsville, Texas. Emma was 82 years old and lived in Giddings, Texas. Emma lost her mother at an early age and had to quit school in order to help support her family. This initiated her hard work ethic that she carried throughout her entire life. She worked in healthcare for most of her life and most recently as a caregiver for the elderly. Emma took care of many people throughout the years and each one had a special place in her heart. Emma especially adored children and loved for them to call her “Granny”. Emma was a person of faith and lived life serving others. Emma was a very active person who enjoyed living life. She loved being outside and had a green thumb with plants and flowers. She loved shopping and going out to eat. There was always a stop for French vanilla cappuccino afterward. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and Dairy Queen welcomed them on Taco Tuesdays and Friday evenings for a burger. She took pride in her appearance and in her home. She made weekly trips to the beauty shop to get her hair done and she would do her own nails every week. She always had to be “dolled up” when going out. She took pride in keeping her home neat and clean which was decorated with her favorites – sunflowers and birds. Emma was selfless and committed to her family. Family was the most important thing in her life. Her true pride and joys were always her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She treasured the time spent with them and was at her happiest when her family got together. Emma looked forward to family gatherings where her personality and sense of humor made her the life of the party. Every year at Thanksgiving, family looked forward to eating her cornbread dressing which she made from her own recipe and was simply the best. Emma touched many lives and will be missed but will remain in our hearts forever. She is preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Anne Zapalac, and two sisters, Bessie Brown and Helen Castecka. She is loved by her four children, Michael & Leslie Clark of Schulenburg, Debbie Harty of Port Aransas, Brenda Campos of Giddings, and Steven & Jennifer Vaclavik of Giddings; nine grandchildren, Ryan & Candace Clark of Austin, Brandy Speed of China Spring, Blake Harty of San Antonio, Brittany Harty of Austin, Kacey Campos of Giddings, Kayla Campos of Giddings, Kyle Campos of Giddings, Steven Jr. & Vanessa Vaclavik of Giddings, and Bianca & Jesus Lopez of Giddings; fifteen great grandchildren; two sisters, Julia Vaclavik of Victoria and Gladys Menke of Cat Spring; one brother, Joe Zapalac of Giddings; seven nieces; four nephews, and many friends. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as Emma loved children and donated to St. Jude often. Please join the family for Emma’s celebration of life which is scheduled for 1:30 pm on November 13, 2021 at the Giddings Country Club Hall, 1031 County Road 227, Giddings, Texas 78942.