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.

July 26, 1928-September 24, 2022

With deep sentiments, I announce that my dad, Mr. Abraham Moonnanappillil, age 94, entered his eternal rest on September 24, 2022. He was born on July 26, 1928 in Thidanad, Kottayam (Dt), Kerala, India.

He was preceded by his parents, Chacko (93)& Elyamma Moonnanappillil (91), his wife, Mrs. Thressiamma Moonnanappillil (86), his first daughter, Elsy (9), and his third son, Babychan (4). Abraham is survived by his children Joseph and Padma Moonnanappillil, Mercy and Jojo Enthumplackal, Johnson and Bincy Moonnanappillil, and Fr. Tomichan Moonnanappillil; his grandchildren Reema and Stanly, Kevin, Remi, Delphi, Ritu, Twisha, and Dinu; and his great-grandchild, Allen.

Abraham and his wife were farmers who worked hard to support the family and educate the children with great love, despite losing two children due to serious illness. Abraham was a man of deep faith and lived his life till the last breath with uprightness and sincerity. He was a man of integrity and made every effort to carry out his responsibilities with a deep sense of justice and sincerity. Dad made sure that we all attended the Sunday services and encouraged us to attend the daily Masses as often as possible. As he got older and the farming responsibilities reduced, he attended daily Mass, even though it was over a mile of a walk, and he continued until he fractured his hip at the age of 89 and was wheelchair bound. Once he could not attend the daily Mass, he spent his day reading newspapers, watching Mass, listening to spiritual talks on television, reciting the rosary, and reading the Bible. On my visits during vacation, I saw him waking up early in the morning to pray the rosary. During my last visit in June 2022, his health was declining, and I witnessed him waking up in the middle of the night to pray the rosary. He would say it aloud so that he would not fall asleep while praying.

He served my home parish community as a CCD teacher for several years. He also served as the parish pastoral council member and treasurer. He always insisted on daily family prayer and would never let us have dinner without reciting the rosary and the devotion to the sacred heart of Jesus as a family.

I can attribute my vocation to the priesthood to the faith and prayers of my dad. Of course, stubbornness is our family trait, which we all have inherited paternally. In contrast, I can attribute my caring, empathy, service attitude, compliance, and counseling aptitude to my mom, a maternal inheritance. I can further attribute my attitude toward discipline, cleanliness, and orderliness to my mom and dad as common traits we have inherited.

I am beginning to feel the absence of my parents, and I think I can now relate better to what it means to miss our parents or loved ones. My dad was laid to rest on September 27 at St. Joseph Church cemetery, my home parish, along with my mom who was buried five years ago. My siblings and I are blessed to have Abraham and Thressiamma as our parents. May the good Lord grant them eternal rest.

I take this opportunity to thank and appreciate each of you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. I will celebrate a Memorial Mass for my dad at 10 am on Friday, September 30 here at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. I invite you all to attend.

Sincerely,

Fr. Tomichan Moonnanappillil, MSFS (Fr. Tom)

St. Francis of Assisi Church

4201 De Zavala Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78249

October 31, 1934-September 18, 2022

César de León, age 87 of San Antonio, was taken by the Holy Spirit to his Home on Sunday, September 18, 2022, with his wife and daughter, Leticia, beside him. He was born October 31, 1934 in Brownsville, Texas to Timoteo and Manuela (Saldaña) de León. He was raised in the home of his grandparents, Pablo and Julia (Figueroa) Saldaña. César is survived by his wife, Kathleen Beathard de León; his children, Leticia de León Bradley and her husband, Doug, César de León and Patricia de León; stepchildren, Robert Alexander and his wife Dianne and Stephen Alexander; his grandchildren, Alexis de León, Connor Bradley, Sophie Bradley and Chloe Bradley; step-grandchildren, Ryan Alexander, Patrick Alexander, Mason Alexander, Brooke Alexander and Aydin Alexander; his brother, Eusebio Franco, Jr. and his wife, Mary.

César was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas in 1958 and was awarded a Master of Science degree from Texas A & M University in 1962. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. César was the Chief Engineer at the Western Company and served as Director of the Office of Pipeline Safety in the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. After retirement he traveled throughout Europe, Africa, and Central and South America.

SERVICES
Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm followed by the Vigil Service at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Mission Park Medical Center, 8332 Fredericksburg Road. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 am on Friday, October 7, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Road. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road. In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions in his memory are made to Sembradores of San Antonio, P.O. Box 100674, San Antonio, Texas 78201.

January 15, 1948-August 8, 2022

Carol Anne Kershaw, 74, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2022. She was born to parents, Edward Chanda and Anne Zimny Chanda, on January 15, 1948 in Queens, New York.

She graduated from Mater Christi HS, Queens College and St. John’s University and received a Master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Carol worked as an educator in Kingwood, Texas for more than 20 years, and as an administrator of Early Head Start. She loved teaching kindergarten because the children were innocent and eager to learn. It was a wonder to her when she taught children of pupils who she taught 20 years earlier or met someone while shopping who remembered her as their teacher.

Carol enjoyed being a part of the Kingwood Bunc-ettes, where she and her fellow bunco players got together monthly, pretended to play Bunco, but mostly shared special moments in their kids’ lives. She also loved to knit and play word games. Her favorite pastime, however, was cheering her grandchildren in their many activities including baseball, basketball, flag football, and soccer. Indeed, she was most happy when all her children and grandchildren were together, the most recent time being in Colorado just a few weeks before her passing.

Ever faithful to our Lord, Carol was an active member of two parishes: St. Francis of Assisi in San Antonio and St. Francis of Assisi in Castle Rock, Colorado, as she and her husband split their year between the two states. She was a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Ladies’ Auxiliary of Knights of Columbus, and the Children’s Liturgy team.

Carol met Richard Kershaw as a teenager when they were neighbors. They were married on December 1, 1969 in Queens, New York. The Air Force brought them to Houston, Texas in 1972, where they remained until retirement. Together they raised two children: Meghan (Morgan) Matson and Geoffrey (Alice) Kershaw.

Carol is survived by her husband, Richard Kershaw; her children, Meghan Matson and Geoffrey Kershaw; her grandchildren, Ian Matson, Ryan Matson, Colin Matson, Jackson Kershaw, and Caroline Kershaw; her sister, Mary Nichols; and her brother, Eddie Chanda.

An interment at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery will occur on September 9, 2022 at 2 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi (4201 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, TX) on September 10 at 11 am with a reception immediately after. Fr. Tony Vilano will officiate the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A Women’s Haven- Pregnancy Center, one of Carol’s supported charities. https://www.awomanshaven.com/.

May 28-1942-August 15, 2022

With heavy hearts, we announce that Rodolfo (Rudy) Paredes Muñiz, age 80, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022. He was born May 28, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas and was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacia and Enrique Muñiz, and brother, Ernest Muñiz. Rudy is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Maria (Mary) Ochoa, brother, Andrew Muñiz, sisters, Elisa Craig and Bertha Jones, and his children: son, Michael (Steven) and daughter-in-law Jill, daughter, Michele, and son Christopher and daughter-in-law Anne, granddaughters: Kailey and Bridget, Sofia and Olivia, and Orla, as well as five nieces and three nephews. He was blessed with the love of his entire family.

Rudy was an avid learner, a trait that began at Burbank High School and led to his passion for chemistry at St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas Austin. He served in the U.S. Air Force in 1965 and 1966, a period that forged his interest in military aircraft support. He continued his career as a chemist at Kelly Airforce Base before retiring in 1990 after 26 years of service. An expert in his field, Rudy moved on to form Aero-Tech Metal Finishing, Inc. together with his wife in 1987 which continues today with the support of his son, Michael.

He greeted all people with his sense of humor, generosity, and passion for life. He enjoyed time with dear friends hunting and golfing, and had an affinity for luxury sports cars. Rudy valued his family and his faith. He was a very spiritual man who studied scripture and devoutly supported his family parishes, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where he joined his circle of friends as a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Silver Stars. He found joy in supporting the work of the Hermanas Josefinas in San Antonio, and his family is pleased to honor his lifelong spiritual values through interment at Resurrection Cemetery, which will support the work of the Cordi-Marion sisters who serve the less fortunate through teaching, social work, and prayer.

Rudy was truly blessed; he loved and is loved eternally.

VISITATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2022

6:00-7:00 PM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

4201 DE ZAVALA RD.

SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78249

ROSARY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2022

7:00 PM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

SERVICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022

11:30 AM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

COMMITTAL

MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2022

10:00 AM

RESURRECTION CEMETERY AT CORDI-MARION

ST. JOSEPH’S CHAPEL

Flowers and/or memorial contributions are equally welcome. Charitable donations may be made to Hermanas Josefinas of San Antonio, Texas, c/o Mother Superior Teresa Gonzales, 511 Shadwell Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78228

November 26, 1945-August 11, 2022

On August 11, 2022, Sharon Marie Grahan McGwin left us for a better land and a new life in eternity. Sherry was born on November 26, 1945.

Sherry served her country as a soldier and as a career Army nurse. Her dedication and skill as a nurse and hospital administrator were unmatched. She loved and cared for the soldiers entrusted to her care and ensured they received the very best treatment possible. She was professional and caring with her patients but was tough as nails with anyone who did not have the best interests of the sick and wounded soldiers in mind. Sherry was a “take charge” Army nurse and was admired and respected by all. She retired as an Army Lieutenant Colonel in 1989.

Sherry was married to Chief Warrant Officer Michael D. McGwin for many years. She was the mother of Kate McGwin and the proud grandma of four children and five grandchildren.

In her later years, Sherry dedicated herself to her family and her Catholic faith. As an active member of the parish of St. Francis of Assisi for 15 years, she ministered to the sick and dying. Her many visits to patients brought medical knowledge and spiritual assistance and, no doubt, a boost in their morale.

Sherry was a daily Mass attendant. She was an altar server and often grabbed the hands of a child and asked them to accompany her in carrying the cross or candle. This action delighted both children and parents. Sherry also was an elementary catechist for some years and was active in ACTS retreats.

In the book Ireland, A Terrible Beauty, authors Jill and Leon Uris depict a quintessentially Irish man holding a hoe and looking directly at the camera. He said, “Have yourself a good look now, for when I’m gone you’ll never see the likes of a man like me again.” Remembering Sharon Marie Gahan McGwin brings the same sentiment. You won’t see the likes of her again until you open your eyes in Heaven. Rest in peace good soldier, good woman.

Sherry will be remembered at the daily Mass on August 31, 2022. A reception will follow in Henke Hall.

February 17, 1940-July 25, 2022

Sarah Celis Hildebrand was born on February 17, 1940 and entered into Eternal Life on July 25, 2022. For 82 years, Sarah’s story was a testament to the Glory of Love by receiving and sharing the Glory of God, just as Jesus Christ did. Her life manifested God’s presence in all she did. Sarah was a Godly woman, faithful, generous, spontaneous, funny, kind, and considerate. She was a loving wife, caring mother, encouraging grandmother, affirming aunt, supportive sister, kind friend, and was loved by all who were blessed to know her.

Sarah was married to Jesse Hildebrand, “my honey” for 63 years. They met at a dance in the mid-50s. Sarah often recalled, “Jesse wouldn’t leave my side after our first dance – he didn’t want anyone else to dance with me.” Their love grew strong and on May 3, 1959, they received the Sacrament of Marriage at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas.

They had four daughters, Cynthia Lorraine, Monica Lynn, Donna Yvette, and Marcella Lizette. Sarah was ever passionate about Jesus and the Blessed Mother Mary and raised her daughters with a strong foundation in their Catholic faith. Faith was important as was family. She often encouraged her daughters to pray, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” for all their needs, confident that He would help and answer their prayers. Sarah would write notes in her books, devotionals, and calendars proclaiming the Glory of God’s Love stating, “Thank you Jesus for loving us ‘so, so much’ that you gave your life for us! Never leave my/our side. We love you so much.” ~ Sarah Celis.

Sarah was fearless to share with anyone the love and mercy of Jesus. It was not uncommon for her to start a conversation with a stranger telling them how much God loved them. It was amazing to see how people received Him who she proclaimed with an openness of heart and mind. Her boldness to share God’s love was an inspiration to her family and friends.

Sarah was a stay-at-home mom for much of her daughters’ young lives. When employed, she worked at Kelly Air Force Base, Audie Murphy VA Hospital, as a substitute teacher at St. Luke Catholic School, Shaklee sales representative, volunteer at fundraisers and events, and constant supporter of her family and friends.

Sarah (“Mimi”) is survived by her loving husband, Jesse, Cynthia Lorraine (deceased), Monica Lynn Hildebrand, Donna Yvette Dilley (John), and Marcella Lizette Weisbruch (deceased), Doug Weisbruch, grandchildren David Douglas (Katie) Weisbruch, Sophia Joy Weisbruch, Francesca Hope Weisbruch, Faith Danielle Weisbruch, Dominique Grace Weisbruch, Patrick Joseph Weisbruch, Sarah Nicole Dilley, John Michael Dilley, Cameron Edrick (Abbey) Dilley, Trevor Wade Dilley, and great-grandsons Jack Douglas Weisbruch and Collin Patrick Dilley.

Sarah was the third oldest daughter of Jose Ignacio Celis and Ruby Davila. Her siblings are Grace Dominquez, Irma Rivera (deceased), Joe Celis, Jr., Larry Celis (deceased), Ted Celis (deceased), Yvonne Celis (deceased), Shirley Jackson, and Johnny Celis.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews of the Hildebrand, Rivera, Dominquez, Jackson, and Celis families, and cousins of the Rubio, Mochen, and Davila families, and steadfast friends from throughout her life.

Sarah is remembered fondly by her family and friends for her constant words of affirmation saying, “You are so pretty…You are so smart…I am so proud of you…Jesus loves you.”

Sarah loved dancing with Jesse, sitting outside, enjoying the beauty of flowers, watching birds, learning new things, eating hamburgers and ice cream (anything sweet!), and could tell you facts about animals that were astounding. She loved to take rides in the car and throughout her life she traveled with her beloved Jesse in their RV from coast-to-coast across the United States to see God’s creation.

In her final days on Earth, Sarah shared with her daughter Monica about seeing her loved ones in Heaven and being told by them, “We’ve been waiting for you. We love you. We are glad you will be here.” She told her daughter Monica that her dad, Papa Daddy, said to her, “I am waiting for you” and “He loves me.” She reflected that Heaven’s sky was pink, the clouds colored yellow and pink, and “I am going to have a party. Not too big. Just cake and strawberry ice cream.”  Sarah said, “I’m going to talk to a lot of people. I’m going to be praying for everyone.”

This is Sarah’s Story and Glory of Love. To be continued in Heaven…

The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at St. Matthew Catholic Church on August 2, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Cordi-Marian Sisters, 11624 Culebra #501, San Antonio, TX 78253 Attn: Sr. Celina Martin in Honor of Sarah Celis Hildebrand or https://www.cordi-marian.org.