The Taylor community is mourning the death of a popular bakery owner known for her work ethic, generosity and satisfying sweet tooths everywhere.
Irene Bucanek made a lasting impression on residents as the owner of the local Kolache Shoppe, 919 W. Fourth St, which she owned for nearly a half-century.
Bucanek, 83, died Sunday, Jan. 28. Relatives remember her as the heart of the family and as a role model.
“She taught me so many lessons and values about how to be an empowered woman and how to run your own business,” granddaughter Brandy McAnally said. “She showed me to do something in your life that you’re passionate about. Take risks, enjoy every moment, enjoy being around the people you love.”
Bucanek carried on the Czech tradition of making fresh, homemade kolaches and pastries, according to stories in the Taylor Daily Press archive.
Irene Bucanek owned the Kolache Shoppe for nearly a half-decade. Bucanek died Sunday, Jan. 28. Photo courtesy of the Bucanek family
McAnally said Bucanek arrived at the bakery at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. to begin the day’s batch. If the first dozen lacked perfection, she would throw out the dough and start from scratch.
Bucanek’s attention to detail won her multiple professional grand championship awards at baking contests across Texas over the years.
McAnally added people would travel miles to taste her kolaches.
Jaboa Atkins, another granddaughter, described Bucanek as a “social butterfly” inside and outside of the bakery.
“She made everyone feel like family, she made friends with everyone and was there when you needed someone the most,” Atkins said. “She’d make you work hard for money if you needed it, let you cry with her all night even knowing she’d have to wake up early to make those kolaches.”
Atkins said her grandmother donated food items to many Taylor Independent School District functions, cancer causes, Shepherd’s Heart food pantry and the Taylor Public Library.
The Kolache Shoppe also featured doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, brownies, cookies, bundt cakes, coffee cakes and strudels.
Known as the “purple bakery” before it was later repainted, the shop was decked out in Elvis memorabilia, showcasing Bucanek’s affinity for the singer.
The friendliness of the family-run business encouraged customers to want to return, relatives said. “The bakery always had a warm presence beside the oven,” said Al Atkins, Jaboa’s husband. “Irene and her family made the bakery feel like a gathering place. She was always sending people away with extra food and passed out leftover donuts to her neighbors on Saturdays.”
The Bucanek family will host a rosary and visitation 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 at Condra Funeral Home, 503 Talbot St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 408 Washburn St.
“We’re going to miss so much about her spirit here,” McAnally said. “She was the glue that I think kept our family together for all the holidays. I’m very fortunate to have had her as a grandmother and I love her very much.”
Irene Bucanek stands with in front of her 2003 Grand Champion trophy while holding her 2006 plaque and ribbons from State of Texas Kolache Bake Show. Photos courtesy of the Bucanek family
Irene Bucanek wore Elvis-themed costumes whenever given the chance.
