Marianna Butler Krystinik's Obituary
Marianna Butler Krystinik, a first-ballot hall of fame wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, artist, and friend, died peacefully on July 19, 2023, concluding a courageous battle against illness that sapped her bodily strength but never her giving spirit and unflinchingly positive attitude. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family but will live forever through the kindness she bestowed on those fortunate to know her.
Mary was born on August 28, 1947, in Long Beach, California, to Walter and Frances Butler. After living for several years in Whittier, California, the family (which included older sister Diana) moved to Richardson, Texas, where younger sister Lee soon joined. Mary graduated from Richardson High School in 1965. She attended Tyler Junior College before graduating from Texas Tech University with a degree in art education, which she obtained after successfully battling the winds of West Texas with her easels, canvases, and sketchbooks in hand.
Mary began her teaching career at John Adams Middle School in Grand Prairie, Texas. In 1972, she married John Richard ("Kris") Krystinik in Dallas, Texas. She paused her teaching career following the births of her two sons, for whom she was a loving and devoted mother. From the late 70s through the 80s, Mary logged (conservatively) millions of miles driving her boys (and their friends) to and from Penny Whistle Park, Cub Scout and Boy Scout meetings, roller rinks, arcades, practices, Wet 'N Wild, and wherever else they needed to go.
Mary was an accomplished painter who also played the piano and violin, but her true medium was compassion, demonstrated through her constant kindness to anyone she met. She freely gave of her time both as a substitute teacher and as a volunteer through the Assistance League of Dallas. She sparked the imagination of countless children at Scottish Rite and Children's Medical Center through her volunteer service. School and church events ran smoother due to her creativity, and passion for helping others. Her friends and family could always find comfort from her sound advice, good humor, and loving heart that was without equal. Through her life’s example, she embodied what it meant to “Always Be Kind.” She left a legacy of kindness and love.
Mary is survived by her husband of 50 years John Richard ("Kris") Krystinik of Dallas, Texas; sons John Matthew Krystinik (Stella) of Round Rock, Texas, and Jay Lloyd Krystinik (Sara) of Dallas, Texas; sisters Diana Baker of Richardson, Texas and Lee Prengler (Aaron) of Farmers Branch, Texas; grandchildren Jack, Lucy, Eleanor, and Fred, nieces Tammi Johnson of Richardson, Texas, Terri Rambin (Mike) of Mt. Vernon, Texas, and Lauren Prengler of Farmers Branch, Texas; nephews Billy Baker Jr (Cindy) of Garland, Texas, Robert Baker (Michelle) of McKinney, Texas, and Adam Prengler (Jill) of Richardson, Texas; and by many beloved grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins and friends.
Services will be held at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75243, at 10:00 a.m. on July 26, 2023.
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