Molly Mazanec

Molly Jane Vanzura Mazanec, 93, of Bellmead, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at Hillcrest Baylor Scott & White Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

A Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Bellmead Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Thursday, February 19 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellmead, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West.

Molly was born April 20, 1932 in West, the daughter of R.L. and Julie Macicek Vanzura. She graduated from West High School in 1949. She was voted "Best Looking" her junior and senior year. She attended 4C Business College. Molly married the love of her life she met on the dance floor, Johnny Edward Mazanec, on June 14, 1951. She taught him to dance. She has been a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church since 1954. She faithfully attended Eucharistic  Adoration with Johnny at St. Joseph for many years. She was a Life Member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court #1729. She and Johnny received the Lumen Gentium Award from the Austin Diocese in 2015. Molly worked several years at American Amicable (surviving the Waco Tornado of 1953 on the 20th floor of the Alico Building), and Behrens, Inc for 35+ years as their executive secretary until her retirement. Molly enjoyed water skiing, boating, polka music, dancing (she and Johnny were members of the POLKA Club of America), going to casinos, traveling in their R.V. and visiting many states coast to coast. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Evelyn Gaiser, brothers Edward Vanzura and Raymond Vanzura, husband Johnny Mazanec, and son-in-law Melvin Buxkemper.

 Survivors include daughter Diane Mazanec Buxkemper of Elm Mott; son Steven Mazanec of Garland; grandchildren Phillip Buxkemper and wife Ruby of Axtell, and Allison Larson and husband Eric of Kyle; great-granddaughter Hayden Larson and another great grandchild on the way; nieces, nephews, and several cousins. Pallbearers: Phillip Buxkemper, Eric Larson, Danny Mynarcik, David Mynacik, Mark Mazanec, Herman Roessler, and James Hoffman. Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Brezina, Richard Urbis, and Mike Gaiser. The family wishes to thank the following individuals for their heartfelt generosity and care: Nurses at Hillcrest Medical ICU, especially James H; The Blake of Waco staff and residents who have been her second family for 3+ years, and Ed & Shari Larson.