Mary Jo Veit

Mary Josephine Veit, 87, of Shiner, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 
She was born January 23, 1938, in Shiner to Mike V. and Lillie Wagner Janak. Mary Jo attended Wied Country School until 10th grade then finished high school at St. Ludmila’s Academy, graduating in 1956. She married Lawrence J. Veit on October 24, 1959 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Mary Jo was a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, the Shiner Pilot Club, Catholic Daughters, Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary and KJZT Society #53. She also served as a Pink Lady for Yoakum Community Hospital. 
Mary Jo had served as an LVN for nearly 60 years, having served 25 years at the Wagner Clinic. She had been a member of the Dewitt-Lavaca League of Vocational Nurses where she had been named Nurse of the Year at one point. Mary Jo had a servant’s heart with a genuine focus on providing loving care. Memories of Mary Jo will live long in those she helped care for.
Mary Jo was the oldest of 10 children and naturally took care of many of her younger siblings. Like many farming children of the time, Mary Jo helped with farm chores including picking cotton, tending to the pigs, and chickens.
Mary Jo’s grandmother lived with the family while Mary Jo was young. Through her grandmother she learned to cook fabulous meals and desserts. But it was a pinch of this and a dash of that, no recipes were ever recorded. Visiting family could be assured of leaving with leftovers or at the very least a plate of cookies. She lived a frugal life, always putting the needs of others before her own, because making others happy was her most treasured reward. She enjoyed gardening and canning the fruits of her labor. 
Other than her faith, the love of family was her driving force. She prayed the rosary faithfully every day if not more when she needed prayerful peace. She instilled her strong faith in her children. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to watch them grow academically and athletically. Mary Jo loved her dogs and leaves behind her loving Keisha.    
Mary Jo is survived by her beloved family: daughter, Vanessa Shimek (Greg); son, Greg Veit (Shannon); sisters, Gussie Kelnar, Terri Nerren (Nick), Rose Mary Knox; brothers, Patrick Janak (Monika), Edmund Janak (Frances), Benjamin Janak (Linda); sister-in-law, Diane Janak; grandchildren, Chris Veit, Krystal Long, Chase Veit (D’nae), Kevin Veit (Megan), Falynn Tharp (Richard), Matthew Long (Sarah Etoll), Chelsey Cisneros (Chris), Victoria Veit-Noriega, Mikey Veit (Celissa Vasquez), Jared Shimek, and Austin Veit; and 22 great-grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence J. Veit; her son, Michael Veit; her parents; brothers, Ludwig Janak, Julius Janak and Norbert Janak; and brothers-in-law, Ray Kelnar and Bob Knox. 
The family received friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at Shiner Funeral Home, with Prayers of the Holy Rosary following at 7 p.m. 
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jacob Mendoza serving as celebrant. 
Interment will follow in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. 
Pallbearers are Chris Veit, Chase Veit, Kevin Veit, Matthew Long, Mikey Veit, Jared Shimek, Austin Veit and Chris Cisneros. 
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.shinerfuneralhome.com. 
Memorials may be made to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church or charity of one’s choice. 
Services are under the care and direction of Shiner Funeral Home.