Sarah Talasek

Sarah Bernice Fowler Talasek, age 98 and 3 1/2 months, of Temple died peacefully at home surrounded by family. A time for visitation with the family will be from 3:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, April 29 at Harper~Talasek Funeral Home. Funeral will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, April 30 at First Christian Church with Dr. Don Lynn officiating. A private entombment will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park.

Pall Bearers will be grandsons Dirk Gibson, Rhett Fowler, Blane Fowler, Elliot Ahr, and great-grandsons Gedden Gibson, Travis Mooney, Sam Fowler, Jack Fowler, Jaden Fowler, grandsons-in-law Barry Mooney, Tim Sulahian, Brady Van De Wiele, Jack Downey, and great grandson-in-law Bryant Phillips.

Bernice was born January 7, 1919 on a farm near Troy, and, except for the World War II years, has lived in Temple since she was 11. Following her graduation from Temple High School in 1936, she attended Temple Junior College and Mary-Hardin Baylor on Voice Music scholarships. Music remained an important thread running through the nonagenarian's life. She was a sought-after soloist for numerous occasions in the area including concerts, civic events, weddings, funerals and even had two popular live radio programs.

Annie May McBeath and Samuel Harrison Fowler, Sr. were her proud parents. Her maternal grandparents were Sarah Simpson and Anthony Everett McBeath; her paternal grandparents were Sarah Virginia Sparks and Joseph Caldwell Fowler. She was the youngest of seven siblings, all of whom predeceased her: Dr. Joseph Anthony Fowler, Rutha May Pierce, Zada Leila Clark, Annie Virginia Fowler, Samuel Harrison Fowler, Jr., and Thomas Edward Fowler.

She married Reuben Daniel Talasek July 9, 1938. During World War II, they lived in Madison, Wisconsin; Tampa, Florida; and Galveston, Texas. Tobi and Rubette were born during this time followed by R.D. and Terice a few years later. They returned to Temple in 1946 where she lived the rest of her energetic life creatively writing and singing music, designing and making fashions for herself and her children, authoring her own cookbook, and decorating the family's homes throughout the years all while nurturing her family.

As an 86-year-member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, she applied her talents serving as a teacher of all levels, superintendent of the Sunday school, sponsor of the Junior Christian Fellowship, leader of the Christian Women's Fellowship and Esther-Ruth Circle. In addition to singing in the choir for many years, she also acted as accompanist for various groups.

Acting upon her idea to go into the funeral business, she and Reuben were partners in the Harper-Talasek Funeral Homes from 1964 to 1995. Bernice's work with grieving families inspired her to become co-founder of the Central Texas Widowed Persons' Group, a branch of AARP. She organized, publicized, hosted and led monthly programs to foster a network of support for grieving spouses.

Together, Reuben and Bernice supported children's causes in many ways, including Optimist Clubs, International. Since the club was men-only at that time, Bernice worked tirelessly with the women's version, Opti-Mrs. The children's programs initiated during their tenure with the Optimist Club continue today. In addition, they supported the work of the Ralph Wilson Youth Club, Peaceable Kingdom, Christian Farms\Treehouse, Churches Touching Lives for Christ, BackPack Buddies, and many other community organizations.

Her work with and support of civic organizations, churches, and schools never ceased.
The Church Women of Temple, Temple Civic Theater, Cultural Arts Center, and music circles throughout central Texas have benefited from her participation. She gladly opened her home for numerous tours and gatherings and planned events at the Bend O' the River for community groups of all kinds to promote causes she believed in.

Her mind was kept sharp and keen by a lively interest in the past and present while always investing in the future. Therefore, she generously donated Bend O' the River Ranch to the City of Temple as a lasting legacy of the Talasek family.

Mrs. Talasek was preceded in death by her son, Reuben D. Talasek, Jr. in 2004, her husband in 2008, and her grandson Will Firneisen in 2014. Survivors are three daughters: Tobi Bigelow of Temple; Rubette Fowler and her husband, George, of Weatherford; Terice Schneider and her husband, Karl, of Temple; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Tony Jeter and the caregivers from Tender Mercies for the honor and respect they showed our dear Mom and Mimi. We also deeply appreciate the whole team from Kindred Hospice who guided us gently through these last months. Abundant thanks to Carol Sandlin, Carolyn Churchwell, and Tim Miller for devoting their time and talents to our family throughout the years.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Saturday, April 29, 2017
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Service

First Christian Church
300 N. 5th
Temple, TX  76501
Sunday, April 30, 2017
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Bellwood Memorial Park
8575 Airport Road
Temple, TX  76504

Memorial Contributions

Temple Parks Foundation - Benefit of the Bend O' the River
P.O. Box 1585
Temple, TX  76503

First Christian Church
300 North 5th Street
Temple, TX  76501