Emma Rosa House

April 1, 1934 – October 28, 2022

San Antonio, Texas

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, and aunt went home and was welcomed into heaven by her devoted parents, José Candelario Ríos Castillo and Juanita Polanco Castillo on Friday, October 28, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Edwin House, beautiful daughter Rosemary House, loving sisters Francisca C. Nerio (married to Alejandro S. Nerio), Amelia C. Salazar, Pauline Tobias (married to Eluterio Tobias), and cherished brothers Raymond R. Castillo (married to Minerva), José Candelario Castillo Jr., Pédro Castillo and Cipriano Castillo, as well as her dearest nephews Alex Nerio and Rolando Nerio.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory always, eldest daughter Mary E. Pérez and son-in-law José L. Pérez; sons John J. Carcanaques Jr. and daughter-in-law Toni Carcanaques, and Jack Eugene. House; her grandchildren whom she always loved to see, Matthew J. Pérez and his wife Fotini Pérez; Sarah E. Pérez and her husband Joseph Eugene Striegel; Ryan Anthony House; Emily J. House-Villanueva and her husband David W. Villanueva; Jack E. House Jr.; Sonnie D. House; and Jacklynn Cynthia House. Emma is glad to have known and spoiled her great-grandchildren as well, Ronin Alexander Pérez and his sister Ariadne Elizabeth Pérez, and sisters Isabel M. Villegas and Melody R. Villanueva.

Emma was born in San Antonio, Texas and as a teen attended Lanier High School, where she played girls basketball as a Center. She left school as a young adult to work and help support her family, as many did in the post WWII era. Despite any instance of economic hardship, Emma traveled, heading to big cities Chicago IL., San Diego, CA., and San Francisco, CA. for work opportunities in her early adult life. Emma had expansive occupational skills and had working experiences ranging from jewelry and crystal salesclerk, Milam Creamery counter clerk, laundress at Ft. Sam Houston, to factory component worker for Mac Donald Douglas and even a parts inspector at Kelly Air Force Base. There was nothing she could not do. Her last, and perhaps one of her favorite employment roles, was at Our Lady of the Angels Senior Center where she was rather affectionately called the “Salad Lady”.

Outside of her working life, Emma found other opportunities to travel, and went with her family to Ohio, Indiana, New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Oklahoma, Canada, and México and to countless local state parks and beachside cities. She enjoyed quick trips to the coast, camping, fishing, and sewing, among her many interests. Most of all, however, she enjoyed her family. Always someone to give and share whatever she could offer, she provided care for her elderly parents, and extended her caregiving by providing Home Health Service Caregiving for others in need. Above all, Emma was happiest when her house was filled with family or neighborhood friends, no matter what the occasion. Whether celebrating major holidays like Christmas and New Year, literally anybody’s birthday, or just simply enjoying an ordinary day with her loved ones, Emma was content.

Emma was remarkably quick witted and will be remembered for her sharp sense of humor. She never missed a beat and would be the first to crack a joke. She could be serious, as in one instance where her grandchildren believed her when she said she had eyes in the back of her head; she could be caring and warm, as when she would insist on feeding whoever came over to visit; and she was active even into her later years prior to the pandemic. Emma was strong, and a major pillar in her family. She loved a good party and was a San Antonio woman through and through. She spared no effort to root for her favorite basketball team, the Spurs, and took delight in some friendly ribbing with her son-in-law, a Mavericks fan.

There is so much history that is laid to rest with Emma’s passing, as she was the last of her generation, and her remaining descendants are grateful for her sacrifices, her adventures, her love, her strength, and for her continued spirit which lives through us all. We miss you, we love you, and we will see you again.

For those who wish to support Emma’s family as they celebrate her life and come to terms with her loss on Monday, November 14th and Tuesday, November 15th, a donation of flowers to Funeraria Del Angel at 226 Cupples Rd., may be made in Emma’s honor. Her favorites were gardenias, hydrangeas, star gazer lilies, and vibrant pink, red, yellow, and salmon colored roses.

A visitation for Emma will be held Monday, November 14, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, TX 78237. A rosary will occur Monday, November 14, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, TX 78237. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. John Berchmans' Catholic Church, 1147 Cupples Rd., San Antonio, TX 78226. An internment will occur Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.

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