Tributes

Blanche U. Hope, age 77, of San Antonio, Texas, entered eternal rest surrounded by family on Thursday, September 19, after a long and courageous battle with illness. Blanche was born on June 26, 1947, to Candelaria and Raul Urdiales Sr. in San Antonio, Texas. A graduate of Edgewood High School in 1965, she maintained several positions of employment until she decided to enroll at Southwest Texas State University. Simultaneously working and attending night school to provide a better life for herself and her son, Chris, she earned her Bachelor of Applied Science degree in 1982. In 1971 she began her work with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Her career took another exciting turn when the BNDD merged with the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1973. She moved up the ranks beginning as a secretary and later serving as a Diversion Investigator until her retirement from the DEA in 2010. During and after her employment she was described by her colleagues as “one of the kindest people”, someone who “never spoke negatively of anyone, even though at times she should have” and “always happy to help”. While employed with the DEA she met Byron L. Hope, a service technician who often maintained their equipment. Although Byron attempted to capture her attention, it was during the annual Fiesta celebration in San Antonio that things changed. With a beaming smile, she would often recount to family and friends how she was walking in La Villita when she saw what she could only describe as a “blue light” between her and Byron’s eyes, and the rest was history. Blanche and the love of her life, Byron, were married for over 28 years at the time of his death in 2006. A dedicated mother, Blanche saw to it that her son Chris lacked for nothing. Friends recounted how she would often refer to him as her “pride and joy” and “miracle baby”. Through sporting events and celebrations, Blanche was always ready to support her son and she instilled within him the importance of spirituality and the value of a job well done. These qualities and her enduring example remain close to his heart today. For her extended family and friends, Blanche was often a rock of unwavering support. She was an incredible listener, pillar of strength, cheerleader for their successes large or small and a helping hand during their challenges. Blanche was also a giving soul. Her wonderful Christmas Eve gatherings were a big tradition for her family and memorable occasion for others who joined in the celebration. It didn’t matter who you were, everyone was included in the festivities and no one left her home without a gift. Blanche’s family also included Lucy, her best pet friend and shopping buddy. They were often spotted driving to get an ice cream or at Home Depot picking up materials for her latest project. As an intensely generous person, Blanche would always offer assistance to or advocate for those in need. She made regular donations to a variety of charities including Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, ASPCA, Toys for Tots, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, United Breast Cancer Foundation, Sherriff’s Association of Texas, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The Arc of Texas, Easter Seals, MDA, PETA, The Humane Society, American Red Cross, Disabled American Veterans, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Habitat for Humanity, American Heart Association as well as numerous Annual Archbishop’s Appeals and Archdiocese of San Antonio Campaigns. In addition, Blanche was a devoted and active member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. She greatly enjoyed attending religious services and supporting fellow members with kind words, thoughtful gifts and someone to “weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15) through regular participation with St. Luke’s Bereavement Group. Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, Candelaria and Raul Urdiales Sr.; husband, Byron L. Hope; and stepson, Byron Michael Hope. She is survived by her son, Paul Christopher ‘Chris’ Cedillo (Kristin); stepdaughter, Sandy Walker (Matt); sisters, Alice Dominguez (Richard Sr.) and Patricia Carrasco (Robert Sr.); brothers, Raul Urdiales Jr. (Lupe), David Urdiales Sr. (Norma), Richard Urdiales Sr. (Delia) and Robert Urdiales Sr.; nieces, Lisa Green (James), Analyssa Gonzalez (John), Erica Urdiales (Jason Morris), Adriana Urdiales and Justina Urdiales; and nephews, Richard Dominguez Jr. (Stacie), Robert Carrasco Jr., Raul Urdiales III, David Urdiales Jr. (Julia), Tim Urdiales, Richard Urdiales Jr., Robert Urdiales Jr. (Megan) and Brandon Storms (Sabina); granddaughter, Ashley Williams (Chris); and many more relatives and friends. Though are hearts are heavy with loss, we remember the joy and love Blanche brought into our lives. Her remarkable ability to make everyone feel special with a warm smile, kind word or simply being there when needed touched so many lives. Blanche will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Viewing will take place on September 30 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio 78230, from 5 PM to 8 PM, with a Rosary at 6 PM. A Mass will be held on October 1 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou, San Antonio 78228, starting with a viewing at 9 AM, followed by the Mass at 10 AM and interment at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville, San Antonio 78237.

Tributes

Blanche U. Hope

June 26, 1947 - September 19, 2024