Aurora M. Schoggins passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 97. She was born in New Braunfels, Texas on October 5, 1921 to Josefa and Isaac Morales. She is preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life Eugene Schoggins; her sisters, Isabel Hernandez and Florinda Baker; her brother Fernando Morales; her niece Patricia Morales; her nephew Hernando Hernandez; and her son-in-law Anthony Ramirez. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and a stepdaughter: Pedro and Carmen Hernandez; Ruth Grimaldo; Silbia and Edward Esparza; Nancy and Tony Wagner; Liz and Abel Quintela; Peter and Kimberly Morales; Diana Jordan; Theresa and John Schulz; Fernando and Dana Morales, and stepdaughter Susan Ramirez.
Aurora graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1941 and immediately went to work for Mr. George W. Church, Sr. of Church’s Fried Chicken. Her approach to work was characterized by dedication and integrity and whenever she explored alternatives, her employer did what was necessary to retain her services. To further her career, she enrolled in San Antonio College and later Trinity University. After leaving Church’s, she worked for 20 years in Civil Service as a buyer. It was during this time that she met and married Eugene Schoggins while the two worked at Randolph Air Force Base.
Upon retirement, Aurora and Eugene purchased an Airstream trailer and took to the road exploring the country they both loved. Their enthusiasm for travel led them to create the Texas Alamo Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, an Airstreamers organization. Since they both hailed from the South, their adventures regularly took them to the chilly climates of Canada, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest where they enjoyed salmon fishing and camping with groups of similar travelers, forging bonds of friendship that would last a lifetime.
When not traveling, Aurora stayed very busy with social and church activities in her north San Antonio community as well as regularly visiting with family and friends. She sang in her church choir for many years and was a member of the church women’s group which was responsible for organizing many functions. The pastor always said that “it was not church unless Aurora was there” and she actively attended services until her health declined. Without question, Aurora and Eugene were well-respected within the church and the broader community.
Aurora’s love for her family and friends knew no bounds and she and Eugene took tremendous joy in their company. Holiday gatherings hosted in their home were joyous and bountiful and she cherished creating a homecoming for her extended family. Although she did not cook much in her younger years, over time she mastered cooking and baking and took great pride in her recipes. Besides her cooking, she and Eugene thoroughly enjoyed gardening as a source of nourishment for the body and soul.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Living, particularly the memory unit, for their dedication and excellent care they gave to Aurora in her final year of life.
A funeral service to honor Aurora will be held at Christ Fellowship Church at 5440 Vance Jackson Road on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Porter Johnston will officiate. A reception will follow at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church of New Braunfels, 1762 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130, or Christ Fellowship Church in San Antonio, TX.
