In Memoriam

women. In addition, women confronting stress may turn to various unhealthy coping strategies, such as overconsumption of alcohol, drug use and overeating, compounding the negative effects of stress.

Women who are feeling stressed out can look to various healthy ways to alleviate stress.

• Make a concerted effort to socialize. An inability to socialize during the pandemic undoubtedly contributed to increased stress levels, and that’s not coincidental. According to American Addiction Centers, socializing increases a hormone that decreases anxiety levels and helps individuals feel more confident in their ability to cope with stress. Socializing also provides a chance to direct energy outward, thus providing a distraction from internal stress.

• Make time to exercise. Exercise benefits the body in myriad ways and can be an effective tool in the fight against stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the ways exercise helps to combat stress is that it imitates the fight or flight response created by stressful situations and essentially teaches the body how to work through stress. Much like practice prepares athletes’ bodies prior to a game, exercise prepares the body to respond to stress in a healthy way.

• Perform good deeds. The American Addiction Centers notes the power of goodwill in combatting stress. When helping others, individuals activate neurotransmitters in their brains that are associated with positive feelings and reduced feelings of anxiety and worry. Volunteering with a local nonprofit, coaching a child’s sports team and mentoring a young person are some good deeds that can benefit others and the women behind the acts.

• Embrace an optimistic outlook. A 2013 study from researchers at Concordia University found that the stress hormone cortisol is more stable among individuals with a positive outlook than those with a more pessimistic point of view. Prolonged elevated levels of cortisol can increase risk for anxiety, depression and heart disease, among other conditions. An optimistic outlook can help control those levels, making a positive attitude a valuable tool in the fight against stress.

Women can try various strategies to alleviate stress in a healthy way. (MS) —SPJST—

In Memory of Dorothy Adamek

Dorothy Jane Adamek, age 87, of Mustang, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Dorothy was born August 21, 1934, in Fayetteville, Texas.

She was a member of SPJST Lodge 183, Arlington.

A visitation for Dorothy was held Dorothy Adamek Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home Beltline Road in Grand Prairie. A funeral service was held Wednesday, April 13 followed at 11 a.m.

A committal service will occur Tuesday, April 26 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway in Dallas, Texas 75211. Dorothy will be laid to rest in Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beanmasseyburge.com for the Adamek family. —SPJST—

In Memory of Johnnie Plsek

Johnnie A. Plsek, age 101, passed away Thursday, April, 7, 2022, at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas. Entombment will be at a later date at St. Monica’s Mausoleum.

He was born May 30, 1920, in Marak to Joe F. Plsek and Mary Kostroun Plsek. On April 8, 1947, he married Adela Valka in Cameron.

Like many others, he was called to war in the days following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served in the Army Chemical Warfare Unit from December 12, 1941, until he was honorably discharged June 15, 1945. He spent three years overseas in the European Theatre and was awarded the EAME Medal with three bronze stars, the Victory Medal, and the good conduct medal. After serving his country, he worked in Temple as a carpenter and in 1950, he formed and operated the Johnnie A. Plsek Building Contractor Co., retiring in 2000.

He was a member of SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton; VFW 1820; American Legion No. 133; and St. Luke’s Catholic Church. His hobbies included archery, fishing, hunting, and dancing. He danced up until the last few months of his life. He spent many Sunday evenings at Tom Sefcik Hall dancing with as many as 25 ladies a night.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home of Cameron was in charge of arrangements. —SPJST— Johnnie Plsek

In Memory of Maxine Sefcik

Maxine Mae Sefcik, age 93, of West, Texas, passed away late Wednesday afternoon, April 13, 2022, at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.

Rosary was recited at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 19 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by funeral services, with Deacon Ronnie Sykora officiating. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West.

Maxine was born October 27, 1928, in Engle, the daughter of Edwin and Annie (Zabransky) Stavinoha and attended schools in Engle and Flatonia. On November 8, 1952, she was united in marriage to Rudolph Sefcik in Houston. He preceded her in death on July

13, 1993. Maxine was a past member of St. Mary’s Czech Catholic Church Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Praha. She was also a member of SPJST Lodge 54, West, where she was fraternal activities coordinator, assistant lodge manager, and youth leader. Maxine was a past SPJST District Five Youth Counselor; SPJST Lodge 88, Houston Youth Leader; and Choral Group member. She performed in many Czech stage plays. In addition, she was a member of Sokol West Gymnastics Association, Czechoslovak Society of America, Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT), Sons of Hermann Magnolia Lodge in Houston, Texas Czech Heritage Society, and Western Fraternal Life Association, now known as BetterLife. Maxine served as an associate director of Westfest, serving with her husband as parade marshalls in 1992, and she was also a co-emcee at what is now known as the Sefcik Amphitheatre on the Westfest Fairgrounds. In addition, she assisted her husband in the production of the KHBR Radio “American Czech Hour.” She worked for the State Comptroller in Houston for many years. Maxine also worked at Texas State Technical College and was an office assistant for her husband, who was editor of the SPJST Věstník. Maxine enjoyed polka music, dancing, and the many activities with her SPJST friends. She loved spending time with her family, especially over the holidays. Maxine was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers Eugene Stavinoha, Daniel Stavinoha, Edwin Stavinoha, and Wilber Stavinoha; and sister Edna Shimek. Survivors include children Terry C. Sefcik of Waco and Edwin “Bubba” J. Sefcik and wife Melissa of Ross; grandchildren Lucas Sefcik and wife Sydnee and Leia Chupik and husband Nathan, all of West; great-granddaughter Finley Rei Chupik; sister-in-law Barbara StaMaxine Sefcik vinoha; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers were Terry Sefcik, Edwin Sefcik, Lucas Sefcik, Nathan Chupik, Freddie Kaluza, and David Kolar. Memorial donations may be made to the Rudy and Maxine Sefcik Benevolent Endowed Scholarship Fund which can be accessed at https://spjst.org/sefcikscholarship-fund/ —SPJST—