Mabel Lydia Gussen

Mabel Lydia Gussen was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 12, 1924 to John Julius and Bertha Pauline Schott Hoffmann and died November 3, 2016 at 92 years of age. She was descended from Castro’s Colonists. Mabel’s fondest memories were of her childhood spent growing up on Culebra at her Grandparent’s John and Julia Bourgeios Hoffmann Ranch (Known today as Alamo Ranch). She went to Culebra School and loved that John Hoffmann Elementary School was built on her Grandfather’s Ranch where she was raised.

She married the love of her life, James Gussen, in 1942, and moved to the Gussen Ranch on Tezel Road. (A large part of The Great Northwest Subdivision). Together Jamie and Mabel established and managed a successful Dairy Farm for many years where Jamie was recognized as Dairyman of the year in 1960.

She loved to sing and play the piano. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and all farm activities. But most of all she loved to Dance especially at the Roaring 20s. Mabel’s hobby was watching and listening to video tapes, CDs, and her record archive. She watched as her old ranchlands were developed and erasing the rural life she had lived. Mabel spent her life praying for her family and friends. She enjoyed visits from her grandchildren Maureen Scassa (Gene) and Charles James Sloan (Sarah). She was loved by her 9 Great Grandchildren: Gale Cosme (Juan); Talor, Lainey, and Sophia Sloan; Angelo, Madelyn, Lola, Charlie, and Mia Scassa.

Mabel lived a few years in the snow and mountains of Meeker, Colorado. She returned to San Antonio to live at Timberhill Villa near her former homes. A highlight was receiving her 50-year pin of membership with Helotes Hermann Sons Lodge where her Grandfather John Hoffmann was a Charter member.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, James Gussen, sister-in-law Gladys Michalczak, sisters Alice Leibold, Lucille Wurzbach, Lorine Haby, and brothers Robert Hoffman and John J Hoffmann. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Lee and Charles Sloan, children, grandchildren, Sister-in-Law Florence Hoffman of Rio Medina and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to all those who cared for Mabel in her last years, especially Timberhill Villa, All Care Home Health Service, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and Visiting Physicians. Her last days were with Christus Santa Rosa Westover Hills, Alamo Hospice Care, and Westover Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center providing comfort in her final days.

Burial Services will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Helotes where her Hoffmann family and husband physically worked to build parts of the Church with their ranch equipment. Services will be on Friday, November 11, 2016. Visitation, 8:30 – 9:30; Rosary 9:30; and Mass at 10:00. Interment follows at San Fernando II. Funeral arrangements are with Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, Bandera Road.

Mabel prefers that you donate to the Church or Charity of your choice rather than to be remembered with flowers.