Margaret Bilderback

Born on October 2, 1926, in San Antonio, Texas, to Carmen Barrera, Margaret lived a life defined by love, strength, and unwavering resilience.

Margaret was known for her vibrant spirit and her love of life. She was raised in a convent, where she developed her deep devotion to Christ. During World War II, she worked at Kelly Field, where she and countless other women played an integral role in the war effort and helped pave the way for future generations of women in the workforce. Later, she worked as an elevator operator at the historic St. Anthony Hotel.

Margaret remained very active in her later years, playing tennis daily well into her 80s and proudly competing in the Senior Olympics where she earned gold medals each year. Her energy, determination, and joy for the game reflected the way she approached life. She was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan.

In 1946, at just 19 years old, she married Thomas Phelps Bilderback. Together, they had 8 children, 23 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren, creating a legacy that continues through the generations she cherished so deeply.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Thomas, and her mother Carmen. She is survived by her daughters Susan Blaker, Maggie Bilderback (LouAnn), Martha Curry (Robert), Betty Rodriguez (Frank), and Carmen Key (Paul), and her sons James Bilderback (Barbara), Thomas Bilderback (Elizabeth), and Robert Bilderback (Loretta), and daughter-in-law Denise Bilderback. She is also survived by grandchildren Ty Blaker (Maggie), Teresa Cox (Donny), Justin Mock (Kelly), Jamie Allison (Chris), Todd Bilderback (Robyn), Michelle Meyer, Jessica Norton (Mike), Aaron Rodriguez, Jason Rodriguez (Amy), Sarah Brennan (Patrick), Christian Bilderback, Julian Bilderback, David Bilderback, Lisa Bilderback (Marco), Megan McGehee (Mike), Joshua Bilderback (Christina), Kimberly Winfield (Reggie), Trenton Bilderback, Tracey Key (Lizzie), McKenna Riggen (Brendan), Melora Alvarez, Kristine Willey (Jordan), and Addaline Alvarez. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Matthew, Kinsley, Lilah Jo, Waylon, Kylie, Jordan, Gabe, Gavin, Tyler, Malia, Mike, Levi, Paloma, Emma, Sara, Ava, Patrick, Ian, Karina, Ezekiel, Ethan, Kaylee, Alexavier, Victoria, Mekhi, Myles, Marley, Parker, Evelyn, Carli, Blakely, Kadee, and Kallie.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, beginning at 5:00 p.m., with a rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Roy Akers Funeral Home, 515 N. Main Avenue, San Antonio, Texas.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church, 3814 Nash Boulevard, San Antonio, Texas. Committal services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas. A reception will follow at Holy Name Catholic Church.