Sister Thadine Hyzak, CDP
August 11, 1934 – December 5. 2022
Sister Mary Thadine Hyzak, CDP, entered eternal life peacefully and unexpectedly on December 5, 2022 at the age of 88. She was the second oldest of eight children born to Albert J. and Regina (Dykowski) Hyzak, Sr. She was born on August 11, 1934 in Granger, Texas and given the baptismal name, Dorothy Jeanette. She answered God’s call to become a Sister of Divine Providence on June 5, 1948 and professed first vows on June 22, 1954.
Her life and essence were a melody of gentleness, peacefulness and joy. Through her formal education, Bachelor of Arts in Music and Masters in Education with certification in administration, both from Our Lady of the Lake College/University, and her ministries, music became her passion. She spent 44 years of ministry in the Catholic school system, 36 as a music teacher. She was also a school principal, pastoral associate and music coordinator. She served in 12 different Texas cities and towns in Texas.
Always attuned to God’s call, she felt a pull toward liturgy and music ministry in rural areas. Her 13 years at Sacred Heart Parish in LaGrange, Texas brought this desire to fruition. She worked in the areas of liturgy, music and stewardship. She collaborated with the parishioners to plan music and rituals for Sunday liturgies and the school children’s weekly liturgy. In addition, she helped the school children accompany the choirs and cantors by teaching them to play the organ. This gave all a sense of belonging to the parish and school and thus, enriched the community. She became aware of the importance of empowering people and helping them to pass it on. She felt that music and liturgy as work of the people involved relationship, diversity of gifts and unity as one body in and with Christ.
Her deep devotion to the Blessed Mother led her to express her zeal about the importance of the family and the mother’s role. She had the gift of combing and sharing all of her beliefs and learnings with others. Throughout her retirement and until her passing, she played the violin, held scripture sharing sessions and always had words of wisdom and comfort for all around her.
She is survived by her siblings Sister Barbara Lynn Hyzak, CDP, Rita George, Barbara (& W.C.) Kolinek and Paula Hajda, numerous nieces and nephews and her Sisters of Divine Providence. She was preceded in death by her parents Albert J. and Regina (Dykowski) Hyzak, Sr.; siblings Albert J. (Dorothy) Hyzak, Jr., Mary Lee (Jerry) Gorubec and Marjorie Meier and brother in law Tim Hajda.
The Rosary is Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Resurrection is Monday, December 12, 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, TX 78207-4619.