July 2, 1942-November 27, 2022

On Sunday, November 27, 2022, Joanne Thompson passed into eternal rest. Joanne was born in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from St. John’s University with her BBA in Management, where she met the love of her life, Ken. After marrying Ken in 1965, she moved to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, arriving in San Antonio in 1980. She worked at USAA for more than twenty years, beginning in 1983 as a telephone pipeline operator, retiring in 2004 as Senior Vice President of Policy Service in the Property & Casualty Company. During her time at USAA, Joanne also served on the Advisory Board for Neighborworks, the Air Force Village Foundation Board, the Board of the USAA Federal Credit Union (three as Chairperson), and President of the USAA General Agency Board of Directors. Her life was a model of serving others. Prior to her time at USAA, she was a devoted wife, stay-at-home mother, and friend. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts, and was always “class mom” for her children growing up. In later years, she and Ken served the community as a Marriage Sponsor Couple at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, she was a Eucharistic Minister, and an active volunteer at the Shelter run by San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries.

While her professional accomplishments were many, her husband, children, and grandchildren were the center of her world. She was the most amazing wife, mother, and grandma.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, her parents, Charles and Mary O’Neill, her brother, Tim O’Neill, and many friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristen Williams (Keith), son, Kyle Thompson (Amy); sister, Mary Ellen Leegan (Joe); grandchildren: Kathryn Williams, Kenneth Logan Williams, Reagan Thompson, and Cole Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves behind a vast number of friends, including her best friend, Linda Nichols (Darrell).

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate to the St. Francis of Assisi Mobile Loaves & Fishes, an organization caring for San Antonio’s homeless and hungry.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 8, 2022, from 6-7 PM in Henke Hall, followed by Vigil and Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 9, 2022, beginning at 11:30 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

December 12, 1927-November 18, 2022

Maria Guadalupe Alvarez, known as Lupe to all who love her, passed away on November 18, 2022, after a short illness. She was born in Blue Island, IL, to Benito Lopez and Cenobia Garcia. One of many siblings, including half-brothers Lino, Fr. Angel, Bonnie, and siblings Martin, Leonard, Sabina, Joe, Robert, and Mary; she is survived by her sister, Petra Velasquez.

Lupe was the beloved wife of the late Gregory Alvarez, and mother to Bárbara, Gregory, Sofía (David Nootbaar), Victor, Claudia, and René. She is the grandmother to Lisa (Michael Holwey), Laura, Lindsay; Javier, Diego; Elena, Manuel; and Mónica.

She was devoted to her Catholic faith, attended Mass daily when she could, and nurtured the faith in her husband and children.

Lupe enjoyed a good cup of coffee and vanilla ice cream, liked to sew and crochet, and enjoyed visiting with friends by phone or in person.

We will miss her always.

The funeral Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on November 23 at St. Albert the Great Church in Burbank, IL. Her final resting place is St. Casimir Cemetery in Chicago, IL.

November 5, 1947-November 15, 2022

Gary Anthony Schmidt entered the gates of heaven peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at the age of 75.

Gary was born and raised in San Antonio and grew up attending St. Ann’s Catholic School and Central Catholic High School. After graduating in 1966, Gary was stationed in Panama where he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Upon honorable discharge, he returned home and began work as a second-generation letter carrier. Like his father, Gary, too, proudly retired from the U.S. Postal Service after a dedicated 35 years of employment in 2002.

Aside from his career, “Big G,” as he was affectionately called in those days, was best known for his pastime playing the drums for the Rough Riders Band throughout country dancehalls in the region. Gary instilled a legacy of music and showmanship in his six children who have continued this passion for the arts as musicians and dancers, proving that “it truly runs in the blood!”

Gary was also an avid hunter, life-long learner, adored his pets, and treasured holidays and birthdays. Greatest of all Gary enjoyed the good company of his friends and big family, who will continue to pass down his unique and charming traditions.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Katherine Schmidt, and his cherished Pomeranian companion, Petie. Gary is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Stein Schmidt; his “chickens” (children) – Cindy Laskowski and husband John, Cody Schmidt and wife Kris, Kevin Schmidt, Kelley Schmidt, Kimberly Kelsey and husband Tyler, Katy Segler and husband Patrick; Grandchildren – Katelyn and Kaylee Schmidt, Drake Sharples, Annabelle and Caroline Kelsey; Brother – Glenn Schmidt and wife Rudi; Sister-in-Law- Linda Stein; and numerous nephews and nieces.

While Gary and his witty one-liners will be missed “biiiiig time”, his love of music is something that will most be remembered each time a great country shuffle is heard. “Oolalou, Chato!”

Visitations for the public will be held Tuesday, November 29 from 6-8 pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge – 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX 78230. A funeral Mass will take place at 11:30 am on Wednesday, November 30 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249. Interment will be held immediately following services at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery – 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Humane Society in Gary’s honor at https://sahumane.org/.

On November 15, 2022, at the age of 91, Maria Teresa Gomez Burgos made her journey home to live the promise made at her baptism-eternal life with God. She was born in 1931 in Cayey, Puerto Rico. In 1951, Mami Tere (as we all knew her), married Horacio Gomez Yon (deceased). Together they had six children: Sally, Awilda, Nancy, Vilma, Doris and Miguel and raised Julio and Mayra as part of our family. Our family grew to have twenty-two grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Our father was in the U.S. Army, so we traveled a bit. Mom had very basic English skills, but she managed to travel by herself to Germany by boat with four kids in tow. She was a strong woman fully devoted to her family and her faith. Mom was very creative in finding ways to do work at home to help provide for our family. She ironed medical robes and was often sought out by doctors. She was never afraid of work and taught us to show our pride in what we did no matter how humble it was. Her greatest gift to us was her great faith and her sense of service to others, especially to the poor and the sick. She dreamed of being a nurse. It was not to be in a professional way, but it became her ministry. Mom loved to care for the sick and the elderly.

In time, Mom chose to live in a senior residence run by Sisters of Divine Providence in old San Juan. It had the most spectacular view of the ocean just across the street. There she had the opportunity to attend mass every day, participate in faith-related activities and do what she loved most: visit the sick, pray with them and feed them. Mami Tere’s last act of generosity was to donate her body to science so, it would help in the education of students and doctors. Our family is grateful for all the doctors and nurses who cared for her.

Mom, we pray that your encounter with the God you so loved and faithfully served was even more glorious than you imagined. Continue to guide us, inspire us, and bless us and may perpetual light shine upon you forever. You remain in our hearts!

Thank you, friends, for your love and all your prayers. A Memorial Mass will be offered in San Antonio at the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Oblate School of Theology at 9 am on Saturday, December 3. A reception will follow at the Whitley Theological Center.

September 23, 1958-November 8, 2022

Kevin James Walsh, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born September 23, 1958, to Mary Consuelo Ruth and John Joseph Walsh in Logansport, Indiana. Kevin worked 8 years as a Registered Veterinary Technologist for the San Antonio Zoo then retired after 28 years as a Respiratory Therapist for University Health System. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William John Walsh. Kevin is survived by his wife, Pam Walsh; son, Jeremy Walsh (Catalina); stepchildren, Jaclyn Priest (Jason), Clifton Karam (Katie), Olivia Bogle (Kevin) and Laura Karam; brothers, Dennis, Richard, and Gerald Walsh; as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a lifetime of friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 5:30 PM at Porter Loring Mortuary North. A Rosary will begin at 6:30 PM.

FUNERAL MASS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022

11:30 AM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

4201 DE ZAVALA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78249

Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

John F. Krawczynski (Johnny Kay) died unexpectedly on November 7, 2022.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bernice Krawczynski. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Ann Bednarz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary R. and John J. Krawczynski, his brothers-in-law, Berthold J. Bednarz, Brother and sister-in-law, Fred Reininger and his wife, Louise, Henry Bronder and his wife, Louise.

John graduated from Central Catholic School in 1954. He went on to St. Mary’s University. He worked for Texas State Hwy. Department and moved on to the City of San Antonio Street and Drainage Department as Manager where he eventually retired in 1996. He was a long-time member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

The funeral Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 11:30 am on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. John was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery.

November 16, 1982-November 7, 2022

Dr. Pamela Villalobos was born on November 16, 1982 and called home to the Lord on November 7, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Pamela is survived by her husband, Michael Casanova Jr., her two beautiful children, Camden and Christian Casanova, her parents Roberto and Jennifer Villalobos, and her sister, Isabel Villalobos.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Pamela graduated from Montwood High School before moving to San Antonio, Texas to begin her adulthood.

In 2005, she completed her undergraduate studies in biology at St. Mary’s University, which served as the foundation of her medical career. She went on to attend medical school at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio and graduated in 2009 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. Armed with medical expertise and a love for world cultures, she visited Mexico and Ethiopia as part of medical missions to serve the underprivileged and those in need. She then finished her residency training in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in 2013 and served as chief resident. Pamela practiced medicine in Austin and San Antonio for 8 years, serving as medical director for several inpatient physical rehabilitation units. Most recently, she facilitated the opening of a new inpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation unit at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her time in college, Pamela became involved in the Delta Zeta Sorority where she found lifelong friends whom she called sisters. She had a multitude of friends and found more special friendships amongst her medical school classmates and study groups. She was especially grateful for her best friend, Dr. Lucia Diaz (Angel Franco), who brought her so much joy during her cancer journey.

While she thoroughly enjoyed her life’s work and patient care, her family was her greatest achievement. No matter how busy or stressful life was, she always had a smile on her face and brought laughter to those around her. She always made time to play with her kids, read a good book, and explore the outdoors with her husband and kids. She led a fulfilling life centered on the Catholic faith and her loving service to others is the legacy she leaves to family and friends. Pamela will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are welcome to make donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in her name.

September 23, 1946-October 31, 2022

Miguel Canavati Assaf, age 76 of San Antonio, was called by God to be an angel to watch over his family on Monday, October 31, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Estela Canavati, and brother, Issa, and his sister, Julieta. Miguel is survived by his wife, Maria R. Canavati; his children, Michael Canavati and his wife, Monica, Alexandro Canavati and his wife Kristen and Rosaleen Canavati and her fianceé, Ricardo Reyna; his grandchildren, Michael Christian and his wife, Mabel, Cassandra Michelle, Breanna and Kaitlyn; his brothers and sister, Gamal, Anuar and Esthela; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Miguel was devoted to his family and loved his wife to the very end. He was devoted to his Church, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, for 40-plus years and served on the Knights of Columbus and as an usher.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., followed by the Rosary at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 7, 2022 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Mission Burial Park North.

June 27, 1944-October 13, 2022

Vicente L. Flores was born on June 27, 1944 in Corpus Christi, TX to Estella and Leonardo Flores, the fifth of eight children. After graduating from Fox Tech High School in San Antonio in 1962, he enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed at Biggs AFB in El Paso he met and married his wife, Carmen Moreno in 1966. Vicente served in the Air Force for four years including a four-month deployment to Vietnam. Following his discharge, Vicente served in the El Paso Fire Department for three years before moving to San Antonio. He served in the San Antonio Fire Department for 28 years, was a member of San Antonio’s inaugural EMS class in 1974, and retired from the Fire Department in 1996. He established and ran Flores Tree Service from 1997 to the present with the help of his family, countless friends, and trusted workers. Vicente’s greatest joy was his family, his wife, two sons, daughter, and seven grandchildren.

Vicente died of pancreatic cancer on October 13, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents Estella and Leonardo Flores, siblings Sam Flores, Bertha Robledo, Beatrice Gomez, Raul Flores and David Flores. He is survived by his loving wife, Carmen, his son Vincent, and grandchildren Javier, Olivia and Ava, his daughter Rosemary, and his son Andrew, daughter-in-law Miriam, and their children Gabriella, Alyssa, Moriah, and Jackson. His surviving siblings are Elodina Ortiz, Leonard Flores and his wife Elmira, and Robert Flores and his wife Donna.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. followed by the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at the Mission Park North Funeral Home, 3401 Cherry Ridge. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 700 Dewhurst. Interment with Military and San Antonio Fire Department Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

November 27, 1925-October 7, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the departure of our beloved husband and father, Clarence Eugene Krus, on Friday, October 7, 2022. Clarence was born November 27, 1925 in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Jacob Krus and Clara Dobraski Krus.

He came to San Antonio in 1930. He attended St. Mary’s Parochial School, Hawthorne Middle School, and graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1943. He began learning the metal fabrication trade, but this career was interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army during World War II. Clarence served in the Counter Intelligence Corp in Japan. After his service, he returned home in October 1947. He met Mary Lou Harris on August 11, 1948. They were married on June 1, 1949 at Mission San Jose.

In 1961, Clarence, along with associate John Forestier, opened his own business, the Krus-Forestier Corporation. In addition to being the fabricator and supplier for many restaurants and hotel supply companies in San Antonio and South Texas, Krus-Forestier was the engineer and builder of several monumental sculptures designed by Richard Harrel Rodgers. These include The Colonade in San Antonio, a sculpture in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the cross of Parkway Presbyterian Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Double Helix at the Health Science Center in San Antonio, Vector I at the McNay Art Institute, and another in the Woodlands.

Clarence was a Knight of St. Gregory. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church and was a lector at St. Matthew’s and at Holy Spirit Catholic Churches. After retirement, he and Mary Lou moved to Nacogdoches, Texas to be close to their daughter and grandchildren where he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They enjoyed their travels in the U.S. and a trip to Europe, but their favorite was their trip to Australia. They moved back to San Antonio in 2007.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Lou, his daughter, Gena Montfort, and her husband John.

Pop will be greatly missed by his three grandchildren, Dr. Nicholas Montfort and his wife Flourish of New York City, Dr. Elizabeth Urteaga of Boerne, Texas and Tim Montfort, Wealth Management Specialist with Raymond James Advisors and his wife Dr. Heather Brandfeldner of San Antonio. Pop is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Gianna Urteaga, JohnPaul Urteaga, and Laurel Montfort.

Clarence was a fly fisherman, a deer hunter, and enjoyed his weekends at his High Sky Ranch in Comfort, Texas. He has now joined the ranks of good men at his Creator’s side.

FUNERAL SERVICES

The Rosary and visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 12 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, October 13 at 11:30 A.M. Both services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78249.

Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery at 2:00 P.M.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, 5210 Thousand Oaks, Suite 1318, San Antonio, Texas 78233.