Shirley Ann Gusman

Our loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend Shirley Ann Gusman left this earth on Oct. 28, 2011. She will be missed by daughters Averill Lauren, Kelsey Alyse and Corbin Nicole Gusman; parents Robert (Bobby) and Alice Hernandez; brothers and sisters Louie & Kim Hernandez, Liz & Paul Gallagher, William (Bill) & Renee Hernandez, Scott & Kristina Hernandez and Joy Hernandez & Ashley Whatley; aunts Regla Navarro and Cindy Hernandez; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Shirley Hernandez was born to Alice G. and Robert L. Hernandez, Sr. on July 9, 1958. Over the next five years, she and older brother Louie would welcome Liz and William (Bill) to the Hernandez family, in 1961 and 1963, respectively. Much later, she would welcome two more siblings to the Hernandez clan, Scott in 1974 and Joy in 1979.

Shirley played CYO softball and volleyball for several years at Holy Rosary. For many years, Shirley was active in the Girl Scouts of America, an activity that would come full circle when she served as leader for her daughters' troops many years down the road. Among the many memories created as a Girl Scout was a trip to Mexico City with her troop, a trip she shared with troop-mate (and aunt) Cindy Hernandez.

During her childhood Shirley attended Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary Catholic Schools, before transferring to Longfellow Junior High School in 1970. In 1973, Shirley transitioned to Thomas Jefferson High School, where she served as a Lariat and later as a Lasso, Jefferson's unique rope-twirling pep squad. Shirley graduated from Jefferson in 1976.

After high school, and after a short stint at San Antonio College, Shirley obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 1982. Shirley dedicated her life to caring for infants at numerous hospitals in and around San Antonio over the course of her almost-30-year career. She spent her last years working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Southwest General Hospital.

In August of 1982, Shirley married Jose Tomas (Tom) Gusman, Jr. Though they would later divorce, their union produced three children: Averill Lauren in 1985, Kelsey Alyse in 1989, and Corbin Nicole in 1993. These girls were the center of Shirley's world until her very last days. She was their mother and protector, their nurturer and friend. No matter what successes she enjoyed in life, her daughters were her proudest accomplishment. And in spite of the many trials and tribulations in her life, they were always her top priority. She sacrificed much to ensure that they would never want and through her actions she imparted lessons on the importance of individuality, strength and independence, particularly for women.

Shirley laid the foundation for the educational successes of her three daughters, enrolling them in private schools such as Discovery School, Trinity United Methodist School (TUMS), and Keystone School. And her dedication to these places of learning sometimes endured even after her children had moved on - Shirley worked and volunteered at TUMS for many years and it held a special place in her heart. She actively encouraged her daughters' involvement in extracurricular activities, such as CYO basketball, soccer and softball, Girl Scouts, dance classes, and pep squad.

Shirley was a friend to animals of all shapes and sizes - a love she passed on to her daughters. At any given time, Shirley's home was shared by dogs or cats, even a handful of rabbits over the years.

Life was not always kind to Shirley, but she handled every battle - every setback - courageously. Throughout most of her adult life, Shirley struggled with depression. Though some days were better than others, her spirit could never be crushed and she could always be counted on to brighten someone else's day, even on her darkest days. In 2007, she bravely battled back from heart disease and a complicated bypass surgery, making it a point to be present for family functions and milestones. And this year, when she was diagnosed with leukemia, many around her were sad and fearful. But not Shirley. She continued to take on the challenges of her diagnosis and live life to the fullest.

Shirley was a truly unique soul, with a wicked sense of humor and a piercing, infectious laugh. She brought love and laughter to the lives of those around her, but she was a force to be reckoned with. She was notoriously scattered, perpetually tardy, and ever in need of a good nap. But she was a kind and gentle supporter when you needed a friend and fiercely loyal when you needed an advocate. Though she too often found herself in a bind and in need of a helping hand, she was selfless in her generosity to others. Her passing has left a huge hole in the lives of those closest to her. And there just aren't enough words to express how much she will be missed.

A celebration of Shirley's life will take place on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 6:30 PM at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.com or to the American Heart Association at https://donate.americanheart.org.