Joan Sykora

Joan Rodeck Sykora, 72, of Burton, died Jan. 16, 2005, at her residence. Mrs. Sykora was born Oct. 20, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Charles Alfred and Annie Varonica Lappin Rodeck. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. She was educated at Incarnate Word Academy in Houston. On Aug. 20, 1960, she married Joseph J. Sykora in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Houston. She was an executive for Hollywood Barge Co. in Houston. Mrs. Sykora was a member of St. Mary s Catholic Church in Brenham, where she served as a Eucharistic minister, reader and greeter. She was a life member of the James F. Dillon Post of VFW and a member of the DAR. She was the current president of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 242 of Burton, served as secretary of the Burton Lioness Club and was immediate past secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary of Burton Fire Department. Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Robert Moore of Deer Park; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and special friend, Frankie Ruffino of Burton. The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, in St. Mary s Catholic Church in Brenham with Father David Ivey, celebrant. The graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21 in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Memorials may be given to St. Mary s Catholic Church Organ Fund. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.