Mariola Klis

1951 - 2025

Mariola Klis, 74, beloved wife, mother, scientist, caver, and community member, passed away at home in The Woodlands, TX on May 22, 2025 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mariola was born in Poland on January 26, 1951. As a girl, she was active many years in Polish Scouting and Guiding, and in her younger years, she and her husband shared a love of adventure, going caving and mountain climbing together.

She earned her Master's degree in chemistry from the University of Wroc?aw in 1974 and was pursuing her PhD when a surgical complication affected her vocal cords, leading her to instead complete an additional Master's in library sciences with a focus on science literature. Despite this early challenge with her voice, she never let it diminish her curiosity, intelligence, or determination to contribute to the world around her.

In 1987, she and her husband immigrated to the United States, and their journey in the US took them from Denver, CO, where their long-awaited daughter was born, to various cities including Tucson, AZ, Louisville, KY, and Toledo, OH, before settling in The Woodlands 20 years ago.

Her professional life reflected her dedication to science and hard work. She retired from Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Cell and Gene Therapy in December 2017. For years, she faithfully rode The Woodlands Express to work, even making lasting friendships during her daily commute.

She was an entrepreneur at heart, co-founding "Ornaments with Class" with her husband, importing beautiful traditional glass Christmas ornaments from Poland. The business, which ran for over 20 years, showcased her eye for beauty and her desire to share Polish culture with her community. She sold their creations at the Erie Street Market in Toledo and later at Houston-area festivals.

Her community involvement was extensive and heartfelt. While she was still mobile, she participated in the Polish folk-dance group "Babcia Wawel" (Grandma Wawel) with Our Lady of Czestochowa church in Houston. Those who knew her remember her remarkable organizational skills, her indomitable spirit, her joy in bringing people together, and her love of a good celebration. Her generosity extended to numerous charitable causes, and she was always eager to share what she had with others.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 49 years, Wieslaw Adam Klis, her devoted daughter Anna Klis, and son-in-law Jonathon McClure. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather, and her sister Katarzyna Sobkowicz.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, June 5, at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 7801 Bay Branch Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77382.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to the ALS Association (https://www.als.org/).