Blanche G. Aldrete

Blanche G. Aldrete passed away peacefully on September 6, 2011, at the age of 78. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, to parents Desiderio Gonzales and Maria Elizondo on July 23, 1933. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Blanche was predeceased by her parents, stepfather, Richard Lobo and brother-in-law Joe Navaira, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Enrique J. (Johnny) Aldrete; daughters Sylvia A. Zepeda (Robert), Norma “Jeanie” Basolet of Yuma, Arizona, and Cindy Eckles; grandchildren, Robert Zepeda, Jr. of Dallas, John R. Zepeda (Candace), Mary Zepeda Cable (Robert) of Las Vegas, Nevada and Anthony P. Basolet (Annel) of Phoenix, Arizona; great grandchildren, Mikah Richard Zepeda and Robert Harrison Cable; sisters, Norma Navaira and Linda Herrera (Jerry) and nephews James Hayes (Sherri), Joe Navaira III and niece Analisa Zeeff (Brandon) and many god-children, family members and friends. Blanche nurtured a home filled with love, laughter, and family. Since her education was limited to the ninth grade, she always encouraged her daughters and grandchildren to dream and that the key to fulfilling those dreams was through education. She encouraged them to go to college and seek rewarding careers. She was especially proud of being an honorary member of the Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was passionate about helping with scholarship fund raising projects. Blanche worked many years at Gross National Bank, starting as a clerk and advancing to many trusted positions within the bank, and retired in 1991 from Wells Fargo Bank. After her retirement, Blanche volunteered her time at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her generous heart, beautiful smile, and lively spirit will be missed by all who knew her. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2011, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers. A procession will depart the funeral home at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 12, 2011, for a Funeral Mass at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, 4603 St. John’s Way, San Antonio, Texas 78212 to be officiated by Father Martin Leopold, Pastor, and special family friend, Monsignor Conor McGrath. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Dr. Charles Briseno and Dr. Harold Felter and their office staff for the many years of special care and support. The family would also express a special thank you to Elvira “Cookie” Starin, RN, Director of the Nix Hospital Telemetry Unit, for the kindness that she extended to our beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Memorials may be made to the scholarship fund of the Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, 2006 Encino Valley, San Antonio, Texas 78259.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, San Antonio, TX.