Tributes

Valarie Lynne Spiser-Albert, PhD, born April 14th, 1954 in Amarillo, Texas, died on Wednesday, October 15th, 2014, at home in San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Willard Spiser deceased and survived by her mother, Betty Spiser, of San Antonio. She was the oldest of four sisters, Jennifer Woodruff of Goodyear, Arizona husband Howard, Holly Foley of Helotes, Texas husband David, children David and Nina, and Kristi Jarvis of Salado, Texas husband Jeffrey, children Sydney and Jeremy. She was married in 1991 to James W. Albert of San Antonio, and is survived by him as well as by the family dog, cats, bird, and fish that meant so much to her. She was educated at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, where she received her all her degrees, culminating in her PhD in Leadership Studies. Prior to falling ill, she taught at various colleges in the area, and had been teaching most recently at UTSA in the Department of Management, College of Business. She retired in 2011 to devote all of her energies to confronting her cancer, Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer; in addition, she had to exit the wine retail business that she loved so much, selling her store, "Wine - A Fine Wine Shop". With expert medical assistance, her own innate stubbornness, and with the Grace of God, she survived well past the expected six months, and went on to enjoy a good quality of life for three more years. Although there were numerous difficulties along the way, she remained cheerful, optimistic, positive, and confident in God's ultimate goodness. There are many indeed who are grateful to her for her encouragement and example, and she leaves behind a large number of friends, colleagues, and former students in addition to her family. A funeral will be held at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church on Potranco Rd. in San Antonio, at 11 am on Thursday, Oct 23. Although there is limited space in the church, all are welcome to attend. There will also be a memorial service in the large chapel at Mission Park's Burial Park North located 20900 IH 10 west at 1pm on Saturday, October 25th. Join her family, friends and students to remember Valarie and celebrate her life. Those wanting to offer a brief eulogy at the memorial service are welcome to do so, but please email james.albert@acm.org to let us know before the service.

Tributes

Valarie Lynne Spiser-Albert

April 14, 1954 - October 15, 2014