Mr. & Mrs. Stephen (Steve) Charles & Cora Lei Wallendorf

Cora Lei Wallendorf and Stephen (Steve) Charles Wallendorf, beloved wife and husband, departed this life just three days apart. Cora passed away on Monday, June 1, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Steve passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 4, heartbroken over the loss of his beloved wife. While each was remarkable in his and her own way, together they were a true team whose love for one another knew no bounds. Their lives were deeply intertwined, and their devotion to one another was a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew them.

Cora was born in Los Angeles on May 29, 1942, where her parents and older sister were temporarily living after having to leave their beloved home in Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was raised in San Antonio, Texas, where she attended St. Theresa’s Academy from kindergarten through 12th grade. She then attended and graduated from nursing school and began her more than 40-year career as a nurse, caring for others in the San Antonio area. She was sweetness and goodness personified, a woman of kindness and quiet strength. She approached life with optimism, deep faith, and strong commitment to her catholic church community.

Steve was born in Fredericksburg, Texas, on March 11, 1949, and raised in San Antonio. He attended St. Gregory’s Catholic School and later Central Catholic High School, where he played football and was known for being a prankster—often finding himself in trouble with the priests. After graduating from South Texas University (now Texas State), he spent more than 40 years in the commercial insurance industry. Steve was unforgettable: full of humor, personality, and a presence all his own. A lifelong sports trivia expert, he later also became a karaoke superstar at Watermere, the senior community he and Cora dearly loved in The Woodlands, TX where they lived for the past six years near their daughter.

Individually, they brought very different gifts to the world; together, they formed a dynamic duo who never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making others feel like instant friends. Cora and Steve built a life rooted in love, laughter, faith, and family. They cherished their church community at St. Rose of Lima, where friendship and fellowship were an important part of their lives. They loved their labradors, enjoyed traveling together, and were devoted fans of the San Antonio Spurs. Wherever they went, they brought warmth, humor, and a spirit of generosity that drew people to them. But above all else, they loved their family. Their deep pride in their grandchildren knew no bounds.

Cora and Steve leave behind a legacy of unwavering devotion, joyful hospitality, and a love story that will be remembered always. Their bond was extraordinary, and though their passing leaves an immeasurable void, the example they set will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved them. They will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and reunited now in the eternal peace they so richly deserve.

Cora and Steve were preceded in death by their parents, Martin and Josephine, and Chester and Dora; their sisters, Rita and Elaine; and Cora’s daughter, Belen. They are survived by Cora’s sisters, Mary and Patricia; their brother-in-law, Steve (Becky); their son, Michael (Deniz); their daughter, Tiffany (John); their grandchildren, Jorge (Christina), Michael (Carly), Lauren (Will), Ansley, and Christian (Madison); their great-granddaughter, Dahlia, who is the spitting image of Cora; their great-grand-daughter Hailey; and nieces and nephews Stevie, Diane, Gair, John, and Anne.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. & Mrs. Wallendorf’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family will receive guests at 6:00 p.m. for a rosary at Porter Loring Mortuary West.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 9883 Marbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78245.