Mary Alice Villarreal

Mary Alice Villarreal passed away peacefully in her home in the company of her family on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 6:00 in the morning. She was born on May 8, 1928 to Miguel and Cecilia Fernandez in San Antonio, Texas. Mary Alice was the first of six children.

She married her high school sweetheart, Nicanor and together they traveled with the military and raised their eight children. When Mary Alice's last child began grade school she returned to school and received a Bachelors of Education from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Masters degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She taught at the Edgewood Independent School District for twenty-five years.

Mary Alice was involved with the Cordi-Marian and the Legion of Mary. She was a proud member of St. Brigid Catholic Church and taught Catholic education for numerous years.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Nicanor; her parents; one brother; and two grandsons.

She is survived by her eight children, Dr. Sylvia Villarreal, Alice Villarreal, Lawrence Villarreal and wife, Patricia; Nova Olivarez and husband, Arnold; Theresa Tijerina, Nic Villarreal, Steven Villarreal, and Catherine Garcia and husband Paul; 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Mike, Raul, Ralph and wife, Lupe; sister, Nina and husband, Mickey Escareno; fond brothers and sisters-in-law; high school friend, Hortense Benavides; adoring nieces and nephews, fellow parishioners of St. Brigid Catholic Church; and many great friends.

Mary Alice was a dedicated wife for 62 years, an incredible mother, grandmother, great grandmother, an outstanding athlete, excelling in soft ball and tennis; very spiritual; educated, intelligent, kind, a trusted friend, caring sister, a special aunt, a faithful Catholic committed to the right for life, and a beautiful human being. Mary Alice lived a wonderful life. In her final days she asked that she be remembered for the many happy times shared and for the love she had for us.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the special individuals who cared for Mary Alice for the past few years as she suffered with Parkinson's disease; Claudia Orona with Professional Caretakers, Inc.; Dr. David Espino and staff with UT Medicine; and two very special individuals, Amparo and Evangelina.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 9, 2012 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Porter Loring.

ROSARY

THURSDAY

AUGUST 9, 2012

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

MASS OF RESURRECTION

FRIDAY

AUGUST 10, 2012

10:00 A.M.

ST. BRIGID CATHOLIC CHURCH

6907 KITCHENER

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.