Cynthia Gardner Valkavich

Cynthia Gardner Valkavich, age 90, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. Cynthia was born in Del Rio, Texas on July 16, 1933, to parents, Willa Mae Shook and James Donley Gardner. Days before passing, Cynthia enjoyed her 90th birthday party surrounded by family and friends.

Cynthia grew up in a military family and lived in many places and traveled extensively. She had many fond memories of being a young girl at West Point, where her father served as physician. She enjoyed attending high school and college in Germany and Switzerland, and proudly attended the University of Texas and was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. She married her husband, Col. Eugene S. Valkavich, at Fort Polk, LA in 1957, and together they lived and traveled to many places. Their daughters, Helen Donley Valkavich and Cornelia Valkavich Reagan were born in Texas.

Cynthia was a naturally gifted artist and musician. She could play the piano by ear and was known in her earlier days to play accordion and ukulele. She loved to paint with watercolor and oil, create beautiful ceramic pieces and was an extraordinary calligrapher. She designed and built amazing door wreaths for every season, and her Christmas trees were always works of art.

Cynthia loved people and wanted everyone she met to feel appreciated. She cared deeply for animals and throughout her life adopted many strays into her home and donated generously to animal support organizations. She was an enthusiastic community volunteer, devoting time and care to the Rape Crisis Center, the Red Cross, the BAMC listeners’ project, and many other programs. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family, attending Overseas Brats reunions, attending the symphony and any Cirque de Soleil show that came to town.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, James Donley Gardner II. Cynthia is survived by her daughters, Helen Valkavich and Cornelia Reagan, her grandchildren, Patrick Reagan III, Grace Reagan, Natalia Badger, William Badger and her great granddaughter, Elm. She is greatly missed.

GRAVESIDE SERVICEFRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 20232:00 P.M.FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY1520 HARRY WURZBACH RD.

MEMORIAL SERVICESATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 20232:00 P.M.ARMY RESIDENCE COMMUNITY7400 CRESTWAY RD.

Chaplain Bob Hester will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local Humane Society.