Jarolyn Marie Popp, 78, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, Mimi, sister, educator, and woman of unwavering faith, Jarolyn lived a beautiful life rooted in love, service, and an extraordinary commitment to those she held dear.

Born November 8, 1947, in Taylor, Texas, to Emil and Evelyn Matula, Jarolyn grew up in Taylor and San Antonio, where her lifelong instinct to care for others began with her siblings. She attended St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, Catholic High School in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and the University of the Incarnate Word.

On August 1, 1976, Jarolyn met the love of her life, Robert Popp Jr., at Czech Fest. What began that day became a beautiful marriage of 48 years. Robert was her best friend, soulmate, and favorite companion. Whether traveling together, dancing to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" each year, or simply enjoying the life they built, they shared a love that was both enduring and inspiring.

Jarolyn dedicated 30 years to education, teaching at Dwight Middle School, Bryan Middle School, St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, A.J. Briesemeister Middle School, New Braunfels Middle School, Koennecke Elementary, and Rodriguez Elementary. She took particular pride in the opportunity to work alongside her daughters, Michelle and Valerie. Her strong work ethic, high expectations, and caring heart touched countless students and colleagues.

Yet of all her accomplishments, Jarolyn was proudest of being a wife, mother, and Mimi. Her children were the light of her life, and her grandchildren were her greatest gifts. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and never missed an opportunity to remind her family how proud she was of them. She believed love was something you showed through action, often anticipating needs before anyone thought to ask. Sometimes that meant arriving with extra household supplies, replacing tires on a daughter's car, or planting flowers as a surprise. She was never one to sit still when there was something she could do to help, often cleaning her children's homes or spotting a load of laundry and insisting on taking it home, only to return it washed, perfectly folded, and in pristine condition, as only Jarolyn could. No holiday was complete without her showing up with festive dish towels for her children, another small but thoughtful reminder that she was always thinking of them. And for her grandchildren, it meant singing their special songs over and over again, never tiring of the moments that meant so much to them.

Jarolyn found her greatest joy in a house full of family, holiday gatherings, beach trips, Black Friday shopping with her daughters, sister, and niece Megan, and preparing her famous brown gravy and Thanksgiving rolls. Her beautiful smile, joyful spirit, and unwavering loyalty made everyone around her feel cherished. She was also fiercely protective of her daughters, making certain her future sons-in-law understood the responsibility of loving them well.

A faithful Catholic, Jarolyn was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels and volunteered at the parish thrift store. Her faith guided her life, and her love for God was reflected in the kindness, generosity, and grace she extended to others.

Jarolyn is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Popp Jr.; her children, Robert Popp III (Audra), Michelle Click (Clay), Karen Williams (Cody), and Valerie Harari (Allan); and her 13 cherished grandchildren: Noah, Nathan, Natalie, Nicolas, Nicole, and Noelle Popp; Harper and Courtney Click; Wylie and Whitley Williams; and Ellie, Liam, and Lucy Harari. She is also survived by her siblings, Emil Matula Jr. (Yolanda), Margaret Schauffele (Roy), and David Murley (Susan), and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Evelyn Matula, and her siblings, Jeanette Matula, Kenny Joe Matula, and Kathy Murley.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sharicka Cushingberry, Jarolyn's devoted caregiver, who provided so much more than care. Through her kindness, companionship, and gentle spirit, Ricka brought comfort, dignity, and love to Jarolyn's days. She lovingly referred to Jarolyn as "her girl," a reflection of the special bond they shared. The family will forever be grateful for the compassion and tenderness Ricka showed their beloved wife, mother, and Mimi.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 PM, with a Rosary being recited at 6:00 PM at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels, Texas. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery in Granger.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Jarolyn's legacy is not simply found in the years she lived, but in the love she gave so freely, the faith she lived so faithfully, and the family she treasured above all else. She taught those around her to show up, work hard, love fiercely, and always put family first.

Her love was her greatest gift, and it will remain with her family forever.