Dorothy Jean Vaculin

Dorothy Jean (Zalesky) Vaculin, 86, of Buckholts, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at her home.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Marak with Rev. Darrell Kostiha officiating. Burial will follow in the Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron.

Dorothy was born Jan. 20, 1932, in Buckholts to Joe L. and Noma (Richter) Zalesky. She attended Buckholts School graduating in 1949.

She married Cyril “Pete” Vaculin on Nov. 28, 1950. They resided on their blackland farm in the Marak Community that was purchased from family members.

She devoted her entire life as a farmer’s wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She took on many leadership roles in the PTA at Marak Public School from 1956 until it was transferred into Cameron ISD. She was a room mother, 4-H Club leader, member and president of KJZT Society #21 Marak, on the church board and building committee of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, and taught CCD youth classes and was coordinator for 15 years. She and her husband Cyril also managed the Marak Hall.

She was employed as a teacher’s aid in Cameron ISD for 31 years.

She was known for her sunny disposition, her quick smile, and her willingness to find the fun in almost anything.

She was the consummate grandmother enjoying every moment with her grandchildren. She treasured the moment when she could hold her great-grandchildren and cuddle them with hugs and kisses.

She was preceded in death by her sweetie, Cyril “Pete” Vaculin; her daughter, Lisa (Vaculin) Hanel; and sister, Jo Lee Shiller. 

She is survived by sons, Gene Vaculin and wife Judy, Rick Vaculin and wife Cathie, Jimmy Vaculin and wife Theresa, and Tommy Vaculin and wife Laura; daughter, Virginia Sapp and husband Allan; son-in-law, Donald Hanel; 15 grandchildren, Lindsey Vaculin, Lacey Abraham and husband Chris, Lesley Gleason and husband Kevin, Melanie Williams, Eric Vaculin, Craig Vaculin and wife Vitoria, Amy Polka and husband Brandon, Megan Vaculin and fiancé Timmy Smith, Brad Vaculin and wife Teri, Shelley Kopriva and husband Brian, Ryan Hanel and wife Natalie, Kristen McWatters and husband Conrad, Matthew Hanel and wife Allison, Erin Anderson and husband Adam, and Jeremy Sapp and wife Kelsey; 20 great-grandchildren with two on the way; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home of Cameron is in charge of arrangements.