Tributes

Frances Bridget Gallagher Hensley, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Frances—or “Fran,” as most knew her—was born on June 18, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest of six children in a proud and loving Irish-American family. She grew up in the Mission Hill neighborhood, where her deep faith, strong work ethic, and sense of humor began to take root. She graduated from Blessed Sacrament Catholic High School and earned her degree in Dietetics from Framingham Teachers College. Fran joined the United States Army for two years, completing her internship and achieving the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT). It was during this time that she met her husband, Maurice “Marty” Hensley. After leaving the Army, she brought her expertise and creativity to the American Dairy Association, working as the behind-the-scenes helper on a televised cooking show. Her proudest role, though, was being a mother. Fran was a talented seamstress and loved a variety of crafts—including knitting, crocheting, sewing, reupholstering, and creating costumes for her grandchildren and cheerleading uniforms for the local high school. She was a gifted chef and baker, and was known for her thrift, creativity, and fierce independence. Over their 33 years together, Fran and Marty lived in several military duty stations, including Nebraska, Maryland, Louisiana, and Colorado, before settling in Boerne, Texas. Gathering family around the table and sharing a meal was always important to her. Later in life, she returned to work as a dietitian in nursing homes, a role she genuinely enjoyed. A devout Catholic who never missed Mass, Fran’s faith was the foundation of her life—steady, strong, and deeply personal. She never minced words—with honesty, sincerity, and often a touch of dry humor. You always knew where you stood with Fran, and her words—whether wise, witty, or firm—were always rooted in love. She never gave up on those she cared for. She could always be counted on to lead a silly song on family road trips, to be the first to sing you “Happy Birthday” on your special day, and to offer one of her many “Fran-isms” that brought clarity and comfort to any problem or situation. Fran is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Marty; her parents; her sisters, Mary and Ann; her brothers, Jim and John; and her son-in-law, Hugh. She is survived by her oldest sister, Kay; her children, Mary Pat, Paul (Nicole), Mark (Karen), and Mary (Lee); her grandchildren, Colleen, Patrick (Ciara), Parker (Sydney), Mason, Sarah, Matthew, Josh (Jenna), Dena (Justin), and Brianna (Corey); and her nine great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her resilience, her faith, her sharp wit, and her unwavering love for her family. She had a heart for service, a warm smile, a love of true crime and murder mysteries, and always a story—or a wonderfully inappropriate joke—to share. A rosary and visitation will be held, Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Mission Park North Funeral Chapel, 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX 78230 from 5pm-8pm. A memorial Mass will be held on her birthday, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 10:30am at St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1602 Thousand Oaks Dr, San Antonio, TX 78232. Interment to follow at Mission Park Cemetery Dominion, 20900 IH 10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257. All who knew and loved Fran are warmly invited to attend. In her honor, the family encourages you to attend Mass or make a donation to the Archdiocese of San Antonio in her memory. “May the road rise up to meet you,May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warmly upon your face;The rains fall softly upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Tributes

Frances Bridget Hensley

June 18, 1939 - June 2, 2025