Sister Julian Honza, CDP, entered eternal life on October 2, 2022 at the age of 99. Sister Julian was born September 6, 1923 in Ennis, Texas to John and Anna (Horak) Honza. Her baptismal name was Victoria “Vicki.”
She answered God’s call to become a Sister of Divine Providence on June 21, 1942 and professed first vows on June 22, 1943. Sister Julian began her ministry as an educator in 1943. She later became a librarian and professor of Library Science.
Sister Julian taught in elementary and high schools in Texas and Louisiana for 26 years. By 1954 she had earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree in Library Science from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), San Antonio, Texas. Soon after she served as
teacher and librarian in Alexandria and Iota, Louisiana and Yoakum, Texas.
In 1969 she became the librarian of
the OLLU’s JoAnne McCreedy Library Science Library. In this position she assisted students enrolled in the Master of Library Science degree in locating the materials needed to complete their requirements for certification. She was also part of the OLLU faculty and taught library science courses. In 1980 she was appointed Chair of the Learning Resource Specialization Program at OLLU. She retired from OLLU in 1993 and by then had received numerous recognitions and honors for her work in Library Science. Namely, the prestigious “Julia Grothaus Award” in honor of her tireless commitment to the training of librarians for the San Antonio area and beyond.
She continued to serve her congregation by managing the convent gift shop until its closure in 2013. She then assisted the CDP Archivist for an additional seven years. Her pleasant personality, gentle disposition and positive outlook accompanied all her professional and personal roles. All who knew her can attest to her warm and inviting personality and great sense of humor. She rarely complained and always saw the positive side of things.
She is survived by siblings Sister Norberta Honza, CDP, Helen (Alfred) Miller, Marian (Edward) Zhanel, Bernice (Richard) Kadluher, Dolores (James) Lukas and the Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Anna Honza and brother Stanley Honza.
The Rosary is Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Resurrection is Friday, October 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.