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The Lord called 1st Lt. Hortense Mota Gallardo, U.S. Army Retired to His Kingdom at the age of 94 on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. She was born on November 12, 1920 in San Antonio, TX. Hortense was a long time resident of the Prospect Hill neighborhood and a member of the Sacred Heart Parish where she served in the Altar Society until she moved to Leon Valley to live with her daughter and became a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church. She attended J.T. Brackenridge Elementary and Sidney Lanier Jr. High and High School. After graduating from high school, she continued her education and obtained her Registered Nursing degree. Hortense enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp in 1942 where her duties included taking care of spinal cord injuries and Prisoners of War from Germany at Fort Sam Houston Medical Center. She served from 1942 to 1947 when she was awarded and Honorable Medical Discharge after contracting Rheumatic Fever which resulted in Rheumatic Heart Disease. She is one of the few remaining members of "The Greatest Generation." She was a proud veteran of World War II and always supported any causes for the Disabled American Veterans. She herself was a member of the DAV Chapter 14 in San Antonio. Hortense was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and neighbor. She was always willing to share her medical knowledge and give assistance when illnesses occurred among her family, friends and neighbors. Hortense volunteered her services in the community, especially at Sacred Heart Catholic School where she helped administer vaccinations as well as hearing and vision tests to the Students. Some of her favorite pastimes were cooking, baking and sharing her culinary products with family and friends. She was also a very giving person and donated to many charitable organizations. Hortense was a role model and inspiration for many of the young ladies in her neighborhood because of her independence, outspoken nature, educational achievements, tenacity and profound faith. She prepared for her journey to meet her Heavenly Father by receiving the Holy Eucharist and blessing an hour before her passing and then, "looked to Him and became radiant with joy." Hortense was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years Jose Gallardo, her parents Bartolo and Epifania Mota, sister Margaret Rendon and brother Henry Mota Sr. She is survived by her son Jose R. Gallardo Irene, daughter Rocxsandra Mota Gallardo, grandson Jose "Joey" R. Gallardo Jr. Denise, granddaughter Leticia Cameron Richard, and great grandchildren Cheyenne, Reyna, EJ, Victoria, and many nieces, nephews and loving friends. The family wishes to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all the time and blessings they shared with Hortense. She left a tremendous impression on all who knew her and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the San Antonio Food Bank, DAV Chapter 14 in San Antonio, Wounded Warriors or to the Paralyzed American Veterans in her memory. SERVICES Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM followed by a rosary service at 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Mass will be celebrated at 11:15 AM Thursday, April 23, 2015 at St. Brigid Catholic Church with interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors

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Hortense Mota Gallardo

November 12, 1920 - April 14, 2015