Anselma Mary "Dell" Falck

Anselma Mary “Dell” Falck, lovingly referred to as “Auntie Dell” by her family, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on March 18, 2025, at the age of 101. Born in Muenster, Texas, on January 14, 1924, she was the fourth and youngest child of Jacob and Cecilia Pagel.

Dell graduated from Muenster High School, and upon completing her education, she began her professional journey at Muenster Refinery as a bookkeeper. With a sharp mind for numbers, she moved on to the Personnel Department at Camp Howze, Texas. She then worked at Borden Hospital in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and eventually at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in the accounting department, a role she held with great pride and professionalism. It was there she met her future husband, Harold B. “Hal” Falck, who was a Captain in the Army. They were married in 1948 in San Antonio, Texas at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church Rectory. The couple was stationed at numerous posts across the United States and Europe, and upon Hal's retirement from the Army, they settled in San Antonio in 1961 and made it their home. They were avid golfers and were a part of a large community of retired military friends. Hal was diagnosed with cancer in 1981 and after a courageous battle, passed away in 1985.

Dell had a particular talent for golf, often outplaying her companions with her skillful strokes and strategic approach to the game. Traveling was another of Dell's passions; she relished the opportunity to explore new places and immerse herself in different cultures. When at home, she could be found tending to her garden or sewing beautiful creations that displayed her meticulous attention to detail. She was a founding member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Daughters. Dell was honored to be invested in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and participated in their local functions as well as traveling to the annual events, devoted to supporting all Christians in the Holy Land through prayer and donations.

Those who knew our "Auntie Dell" would describe her as funny, interesting, and friendly - a woman who could effortlessly light up a room with her humor and engaging stories. Her presence was a source of joy to many, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

Dell’s siblings were Jerome Pagel, Maurice Pagel of Muenster, Texas and Marcella Janicki of San Antonio, Texas, all of whom preceded her in death. She leaves behind many family members that held a special place in her heart, and she in theirs. We celebrate a life beautifully lived—a tapestry of accomplishments, relationships, and memories that will forever color the lives of those who knew her. Dell's remarkable century on this earth is a testament to her vitality, her capacity for friendship, and her unwavering commitment to living life. Dell was blessed to be able to live independently in her home until her death.

We honor the memory of Dell, a woman of grace and vivacity, whose life journey has reached its peaceful conclusion. Her story, woven through the years with threads of laughter, love, and adventure, remains a tribute to a life well-lived. May she rest in peace, knowing that her spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she touched.

The family of Auntie Dell gratefully acknowledge those who ministered with her and to her, especially her amazing and loving caregivers, Letty Rodriguez and Casey McAllister and loyal friend, RoseMarie Evancho. Auntie Dell was blessed to have them in her life.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212, with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will take place at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church, 111 Barrilla Place, San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Peter's Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be welcomed to Meals on Wheels, 2718 Danbury St. San Antonio, TX 78217; https://www.mowsatx.org/make-donation.