Tereza Ann Havel Shimek lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love,compassion, and service. Born on August 22, 1938, in Ashby, Texas, to Antonia and Thomas Havel, she grew up with a strong sense of community and family values. After graduating from Tidehaven High School, she embarked on a journey of love and dedication when she married Donald Shimek on June 30, 1957. Together, they built a family of seven children, fostering a warm and loving home environment.

Tereza was not just a devoted wife and mother but also an integral part of her community. Her culinary skills became legendary, especially her peach cobbler and banana pudding, which graced the tables of Shimeks BBQ restaurant for many years. Beyond her kitchen, she was deeply involved in various community organizations, including St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, Harmonie Club, and serving as a leader in 4H and FFA.

However, her true calling lay in her compassion for others. Whether it was caring for her family, serving her community, or brightening the days of residents at the Palacios nursing home, Tereza's heart overflowed with kindness and generosity. She found joy in simple pleasures, like taking her numerous grandchildren for rides around the bay to feed the seagulls, creating cherished memories for generations to come.

Although she has now departed this world, Tereza leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, her children Donald Wayne and Phyllis Shimek, brothers Thomas Jr, Alois, James, Henry, and Frank Havel and sister Margaret Smaistrla. She is survived by sons Troy Shimek (Mary Ann), Mark Shimek (Audra Henke), and Michael Shimek (Kim). Daughters Tena Frick (Joe), and Linda Wilson (David). Tereza left a beautiful legacy of 15 grandchildren: Audrey Jacoby (Trace), Natalie Aparicio (Jacob), Hagan Shimek (Emily), Heather Marburger (Zack), Steven Shimek, Hunter Shimek (Jadelynn), Garret Shimek, Emily Shimek, Amanda Bates (Hudson), Joseph Frick (April), Abagail Fisher (Aaron), Zachary Frick, Craig Wilson, Kassidy Wilson (Reece), Kolby Wilson, and 23 great grandchildren. In her final days, Tereza was surrounded by loving care, for which her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bethany Senior Living, Crown Hospice, Leslie Serrato, and Barbara Daniels who provided comfort and support during her journey.

Tereza Ann Havel Shimek's life was a testament to the power of love and selflessness, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with the Rosary being recited at 6:30 pm at Taylor Bros. Funeral Homein Bay City. The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Palacios. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Blessing.  Pallbearers are Joseph Frick, Zachary Frick, Hagen Shimek, Hunter Shimek, Garrett Shimek, Steven Shimek, Craig  Wilson and Kolby Wilson. Honorary pallbearer is Randy Oglesby.