Jane Rachael Vorwerk

1945–2025

Jane Rachael Vorwerk a spirited Texan whose life stretched from cotton fields to courtrooms, passed away in Taylor, Texas, at the age of 80. Born to William Paul Matyastik and Rose Svetlik on February 25, 1945, in Cameron, Texas, she was the youngest of seven children-and the only one born in a hospital, a detail her siblings never let her forget. With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she was the subject of family jokes that perhaps the hospital had sent home the wrong baby. But Jane always knew exactly who she was.

A brilliant student from the start, Jane graduated as valedictorian of her high school class before attending the University of Texas at Austin, where she was accepted into the prestigious Plan II Honors Program. She later earned her law degree from UT and practiced as an attorney, not out of ambition, but out of principle. After witnessing a case where a woman lost what was rightfully hers, Jane vowed never to be at anyone's mercy-and to help others avoid that same fate.

She married Harvey Vorwerk and, in time, stepped away from her legal career to raise their only son, David. When Harvey fell ill, Jane cared for him with steadfast devotion, and after his passing fifteen years ago, she took on the family farm with the same unflinching resolve she brought to every chapter of her life.

Jane found joy in small, vivid things: music played from her iPad, the loyal presence of beloved pets, and memories thick with the scent of homemade cheese, warm kolaches, and six loaves of bread baked each week by her Czech mother. Her stories were endless-some hilarious, some harrowing, all told with a certain sparkle that only she could bring.

She was sharp, unyielding, and deeply principled. If something was unfair, she wouldn't stay quiet. If you tried to cheat her, she might rattle the walls with her exit. She didn't go looking for fights, but she never turned away from one when it mattered.

Jane is survived by her son, David Vorwerk; her brother, Paul Matyastik; her sister, Rose Snider; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who knew her as "Aunt Jane"-fierce, loyal, and unforgettable. She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey Vorwerk, her siblings Bob, Jim, Bill, and Ruth, and her parents.

A visitation for Jane will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Taylor, TX, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Burial will be a Taylor City Cemetery and will be followed ba fellowship meat at the St. Paul Lutheran Church Hall. All who knew Jane, and those whose lives were touched by her strength and stories, are welcome to attend.

Jane will be laid to rest in Taylor City Cemetery, Taylor, TX.