Herminia “Minnie” Aleman, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, did not simply live a life - she built a legacy. On September 8, 2021, at the age of 90 - or as she would have said following the 61st anniversary of her 29th birthday, Minnie peacefully left our physical world in her home, surrounded by family, just as she loved to be.
Minnie was born to Camilo and Rafaela Sanchez on August 18, 1931. She is survived by her brothers Andrew and Albert. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Camilo, Jr. After graduating high school, at a time when many women her age were seeking to settle down, Minnie furthered her education and pursued business studies at Durham Business College in San Antonio. These skills would come in handy later in life but also lead to Minnie landing a job at Kelly Air Force Base.
Minnie earned one of her most honored titles in 1953 with the birth of her first son - Hector, Jr. (married to Janet). She would go on to have six more children: Laura Patricia, Minette, Carleen (married to Tom), Peter (married to Christine), Ted, and Janelle. Minnie and her then husband settled on Loma Park Drive in San Antonio’s west side to raise their family. They were founding members of the Loma Park community as well as Holy Family Catholic Church.
During the 1970s, Minnie’s role as mom catapulted her into a life of public service. She joined San Antonio legends of the time such as Andy Sarabia and Father Albert Benavides in the formation of Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) and began grassroots organizing to ensure her family’s and community’s needs were never ignored by City Council, most especially during budget discussions. Today, you can visit Alderete Park at the base of Loma Park Drive to see the fruits of just one of Minnie’s many accomplishments as a grassroots organizer. In fact, later in the early 1990s, San Antonio Express-News columnist, Roddy Stinson, wrote a column with the headline “Minnie Aleman, if you read this, call John, Cliff, or me” - as a nod to the force she was.
By the early 1990s, Minnie’s life had also catapulted into other directions. She was an entrepreneur - first selling handmade Mexican goods through “Minnie’s Imports” and then dominating the local Avon scene as both a seller and recruiter. (She was serious about that one - and has the hardware to prove it!). Minnie lived her life feverishly independent and as an example to her family that no door, glass ceiling, nor stereotype could ever stand in her way.
It was during these years that the greatest treasures of Minnie’s life came into existence: her grandchildren. Her title of “Grandma Minnie” brought Minnie the greatest joy in her life. No conversation with her was complete without hearing about Naomi, Cy, Tessa Andrea, Eisen, Lauren Camille, Zachary, Jacob, and Sean. Minnie’s cup runneth over when she was able to see the faces of her two great-grandchildren: Kai and Bodhi.
Minnie’s family extends to include a dozen nieces and nephews, as well great-nieces and nephews, and even great-great nieces and nephews - all of whom she always had the warmest abrazo and kiss upon greeting.
Minnie does not leave a void in her family but rather a legacy her entire family is proud to continue furthering. She taught them to love unconditionally and with their entire heart, to always find good rhythm in a song to dance to - even if you were dancing alone, and, most importantly, to conquer life in all of its ups and downs.
The family requests anyone attending services in person be fully vaccinated and wear a mask at all times.
A visitation and rosary will be held to commemorate Minnie’s life on Saturday, September 25 at Roy Akers Funeral Home from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The rosary service will begin at 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life funeral Mass will occur on Thursday, December 9 at Holy Family Catholic Church beginning at noon with inurnment to follow immediately. The inurnment service will be private and by invitation only.
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