Elvera Mary Spencer

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 11, 1926 to Herman and Bridget Werner.

She met and married the love of her life, Robert W. Spencer, in Chicago and there gave birth to their three children. They lived in Illinois, Indiana and El Paso, Texas before retiring in San Antonio.

After raising their children Elvera carved her niche contributing to the success of the younger generation at the University Career Center at The University of Texas at El Paso. Her efforts to match students seeking part time employment with positions complimenting their academic pursuits formed the genesis of a full service career counseling and placement office.

Elvera cultivated corporate relationships, organized a systematic interview process to enable undergraduate and graduate students to embark on rewarding careers, and counseled prospective graduates to effectively showcase their credentials for potential employers.

Elvera's creative talents were reflected in her passion for painting, sewing and her appreciation of classical music. Over the years her art evolved from oils and acrylics to watercolors. Her watercolor landscapes of the Southwest epitomized her passion. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing many outfits for her children and herself.

Elvera loved classical music and was an avid supporter of the El Paso and San Antonio symphony orchestras.

Elvera was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Herman "Lefty" Werner.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert W. Spencer; her three children, Paul R. Spencer of El Paso, Texas, Nancy J. Smith and husband, Dave, of Coppell, Texas, and Donald J. Spencer of Sugar Land, Texas; two grandchildren, Jackson and Nicole Smith; two sisters, Sister Peter Julian Werner, and Kathleen Tansley and husband Roger; and sister in law Marian Werner.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

MASS

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

11:00 A.M.

HOLY CROSS MAUSOLEUM CHAPEL

17501 NACOGDOCHES

Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.