Joyce Lenart

Joyce Pustejovsky Lenart, 86, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at West Rest Haven, surrounded by her family. Joyce was born on August 29, 1940, in Abbott, Texas, to Christine (Roznovsky) and Louis Pustejovsky. She met her beloved husband of 64 years, Joe Lenart, when they were both in the second grade in Abbott. When Joe had to miss school to help on the family farm, Joyce helped him catch up on his schoolwork - an early glimpse of the devotion and partnership that would define their life together. Joyce was valedictorian of the Abbott High School Class of 1958, graduating alongside Joe. They married on September 24, 1960, and over the years, some of their happiest times were spent traveling and polka dancing with family and friends.

A faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, Joyce served as organist for more than 60 years and sang in the choir for many years. She also played for services at West Rest Haven, where she and Joe were regular volunteers. She developed her piano skills through lessons with Bobbie Lee Nelson, sister of Willie Nelson. Joyce was also a member of KJZT Society #104.

Known affectionately as the "Kolache Queen" of Abbott, she took great pride in making beautiful, delicious kolaches, including her famous pecan rolls, for family, friends and special occasions. Her baking talent earned her the Westfest Grand Champion title in the non-professional division in 1996, 1998 and 2000. She also taught her children the art of baking her signature kolaches, passing down the recipes and techniques she perfected over the years.

Family was at the heart of Joyce's life. She and Joe loved watching their children and grandchildren play sports and rarely missed a birthday party, play or other special occasion. Her love of Abbott sports continued long after her children's playing days, and she could still be found in the stands on Friday nights cheering on the Abbott Panthers. She and Joe were also dedicated Texas Longhorns fans, rarely missing a televised game.

Joyce was a talented seamstress, making all the bridesmaid dresses for her own wedding, and she continued sewing for her family throughout her life. Additionally, her talent for numbers led her to earn an associate degree in bookkeeping. She worked for many years at Jim's Machine Shop in Hillsboro and then for Waco ISD, where she eventually retired as an office manager in the maintenance department.

Joyce is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Lenart; her parents; her infant daughter, Mary; sister, Gladys Picha; brother-in-law, Bernard Lenart, Sr.; and sisters-in-law, Mary and Helen Lenart. She is survived by her children, Thomas (Leslie) Lenart of Waco, Texas; Anthony (Elizabeth) Lenart of Plano, Texas; Richard Lenart of Fort Worth, Texas; and Angela (Colin) Smith of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Chris, Matt, Patrick and Jack Lenart, and Brendan and Abby Smith; great-grandchildren, Ella, C.J., Emmy, Clayton and Paisley Lenart; sisters, Betty (Ken) White and Carolyn Keating; brothers-in-law, George Picha and Raymond (Sarah) Lenart; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 26, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, Texas, with Rev. Thomas Jones as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West, Texas. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 25, at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West.

Pallbearers are Chris Lenart, Matt Lenart, Patrick Lenart, Jack Lenart, Izak Lenart, and Brendan Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, Texas.