Judith Ellen (Fikac) Hrncir

Judith Ellen Hrncir (Judy), age 78, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Colorado Springs, Colorado, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, three days before her 79th birthday. Judy is survived by her son, Stan from Albuquerque, NM, and her grandson Stanley IV and his mother Shawn, both from Phoenix, AZ; her son, John and his wife, Janet from Phoenix, AZ; her daughter, Karen from Dallas, GA; her son, Curtis and his wife, Jenneil, her granddaughter, Payton and her grandson, Jack from Albuquerque, NM; and her son, Joseph and his wife, Micki, her grandson, Hugh and her granddaughter, Hazel from Phoenix, AZ. Judy is also survived by her brother, Marvin Fikac of Houston, TX; her sister, Annette Novosad of Shiner, TX, brothers and sisters-in-law; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Evelyn Fikac of El Campo, TX; and her beloved husband of 39 years, Lt. Col. Stanley Hrncir, Jr.

Judy was born in Shiner, Texas in 1943. She grew up in south Texas and graduated from El Campo High School. She attended Wharton County Junior College where she met her husband, Stan. They both attended the University of Houston, with Judy majoring in elementary education. During their marriage, Stan's career evolved from working as an analyst at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to a 20-year career in the Air Force, and then into his final career in the US Civil Service. Judy lovingly supported her husband through all of the moves that his career required, raising their children, and making whatever location they landed into a safe and nurturing home for her family. Judy was the ultimate cheerleader, attending every event, game, match, meet, ceremony, production, play, speech, and celebration that her husband and kids had going on in their lives. She was always working in some capacity to support her children and family, whether it was as a substitute teacher, a room mother, a sports booster, a seamstress, an event planner, an artist, an advocate, a counselor, or a school volunteer. She truly believed and expected that her husband and each of her children and grandchildren could accomplish whatever they set their minds to do, and she supported whatever passion her family pursued.

Judy was known as a woman of God. She loved the Lord, loved Mother Mary, and loved her Catholic upbringing and faith. She believed in miracles and saw many come to pass in her lifetime. She always knew that everything was possible in the Lord. Her family and friends came to a greater understanding of the power of prayer through her leadership and example. Many have said that when Judy would pray for them, they could feel God's love and light working through them. Her prayers could move mountains.

Judy loved hosting guests and having company at her home. There were always extra place settings at the table in case friends would show up unannounced. Friends became family, and that family was always loved and welcomed when they set foot inside the Hrncir home. If there were seven guests she prepared enough food for twelve. All were welcome. Judy would go out of her way to make everyone she met feel special and loved. If you needed a favor, she would say "yes" before you could even tell her what you needed. She loved family time and had a great laugh that made you feel good when you heard it, and thankfully, with Judy, you would hear that laugh a lot.

Her love for her husband, Stan, was unwavering. After his passing in 2006, a part of her spirit was lost. In her mid-sixties, a couple of years after Stan's passing, signs of early onset dementia began to appear. Over the years that followed, her illness progressed until Judy required full-time care in the final years of her life. But even as she battled advancing dementia, her character and sweet nature never changed. She was never bitter and always loving to those around her. As long as her illness allowed her to speak, she would tell you she loved you and that you were beautiful. Even if she didn't quite remember your name, she knew you and saw the beauty within. She will truly be missed.

A Memorial Rosary will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 833 Arizona St. SE. A reception will follow the services. A Graveside Service and blessing will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, 2:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.