December 21, 1942 - June 21, 2026.
Maryann “Mary” Eurek was born on December 21, 1942 in Ord, Nebraska. She grew up on a sunlit farm in the Sandhills of Nebraska, where she graciously tended to chores, cared for animals (especially ducks), and helped raise her siblings. Her parents instilled strength in her that sustained for 83 wonderful years.
She met James Eurek while polka dancing, and shortly after, he proposed on the eve of her high school graduation. They married in Ericson, NE on April 28, 1962. Together they welcomed three beautiful daughters: Lori Ann, Lisa Ann, and Jamie Lea. When Jim was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Mary became his devout caregiver — a font of true, unconditional love.
Mary worked as a receptionist, then at Safeway alongside her husband for many years. She devoted 25 years to Centris Federal Credit Union before retiring in 2008.
Mary welcomed three grandchildren: Madison Lisa, Megan Kay, and Joseph James. Granny and Papa’s house became a second home filled with laughter, learning, and play. Creating a deeply cohesive family unit, Mary and Jamie became joint caregivers for Jim and the children. For 25 years, Maryann was an ever-present and ever-adoring grandmother who doted on her family at every opportunity.
Mary enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, canning, dancing, and listening to polka music. Maryann was a devout Catholic who attended Mass religiously, always keeping family and friends in her prayers.
Mary peacefully departed from this life wrapped in her family’s arms and surrounded by the same love she poured onto others. Her memory and legacy of strength will live on in the lives of all who knew her. In the words of Merrit Malloy, “when all that’s left of me is love, give me away.”
Mary is preceded in death by the love of her life of 52 years, her husband, James “Jim” Eurek; mother, Julia Sydzyik; father, Anton Sydzyik; daughter, Lisa Ann Eurek; and grandson, Trevor James Eurek. She is survived by her daughters, Jamie Lea (Scott) Streiff and Lori Ann (Ernie) Lara; her three pride and joy grandchildren; Madison Lisa, Megan Kay, & Joseph James; and nine siblings: Anthony, Veronica, Juliana, Henry, Andrew, Philip, Lawrence, Gary, and Iva. She is also survived by many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and special friends, especially Dorothy Harding and Pat Weaver.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the hospice team at CHI Health, including DeDe and Tracey, who brightened Maryann’s final two years, and to all the St. James volunteers that devoted every Sunday morning to come give her communion.
Visitation begins at 2:00 PM followed by a Funeral Mass at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church.
A Celebration of Life dinner will follow at 4:30-6:00 PM in the St. James Parish Center.
Private graveside burial on Monday, June 29.
