Jennifer Laura Shodrock

Jennifer Laura Shodrock, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and friend left this world on Friday, June 2nd, 2023, to be welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

Jennifer was born on September 1st, 1948 at the Nix hospital in San Antonio, Texas to Dorothy and Robert Keck. She attended St. Gerard’s and St. Benedict’s elementary schools and she graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1966. Jennifer married the love of her life, Charles Shodrock, in April of 1979. Their family consisted of son Danny, daughters Shelly Ann, Stephanie and Shelly Joe. Lots of family time was spent at Thousand Trails at Medina Lake enjoying camping, water skiing, horseback riding and hanging out with extended family and friends.

Jennifer was a dance teacher and choreographer for 45 years, where she was known by thousands of children and parents alike as “Ms. Jennifer”. She started teaching dance at Hermann Sons when she was 18 years old in the small towns of Boerne, Hondo and Cuero. She also taught for Hermann Sons in Houston and Asbury School of Dance. When she returned to San Antonio, she taught for her mother Dorothy Keck at Dorothy Keck Dancers. She was a member of the Texas Association Teachers of Dance and attended many Dance Troupe conventions in Houston and San Antonio.

Ms. Jennifer had a rare gift of making each child feel equally special and instilling a sense of confidence within them. Her love for children was further evidenced by her kindness, patience, and fun-loving spirit. She was so committed to forming meaningful connections with her students that she would regularly watch Mr. Rogers and animated films like “The Little Mermaid” so she could be “inside the minds” and relate to children. She could always sense which kids needed a little extra love or attention, and she went out of her way to provide it. She was also innovative in her engagement of mothers, fathers, and even grandparents, choreographing specialty performance pieces like the annual beloved “Mother/Daughter” and “Father/Daughter” routines.

Jennifer was truly a master at her craft, particularly tap dancing, and was very passionate and dedicated to her work. Under her leadership, dancers had the opportunity to perform all over San Antonio including at the San Antonio Spurs games, non-profit fundraisers, and “Night in Old San Antonio” (NIOSA). She had numerous dance recitals at Lila Cockrell Theatre in downtown San Antonio with standing room only, and she choregraphed many award-winning dances for various competitions around Texas.

Her deepest and most cherished love was for her family. She leaves behind her husband of 44 years Charles, four children, son Danny, and daughters, Shelly Ann, Stephanie and Shelly Joe; 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren; her sisters, Bobbie Gallas, Dorothy Morrison, and brothers, Tommy Keck and Edward Keck; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as many friends. She was preceded in her death by her father Robert, mother Dorothy and brother Gregory. The family would like to thank George, Laura and Oliver Antone of L and G Senior Caregivers of Stone Oak and Vitas Hospice for taking exceptional care of her. We are forever grateful.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home. A celebration of life memorial service for Jennifer will be held Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Shodrock family.