Tributes

Valenzuela Mary Alice Valenzuela went to be with our Lord on September 17, 2009. She was preceded in death by her mother María C.V. Ramos, her father Carlos G. Ramos, and her brother Carlos V. Ramos. A devoted and selfless mother, grandmother and sister, Mary Alice leaves to cherish her memories: her son Ray Anthony and his wife Celeste, daughter Elizabeth Marie, and son Christopher James; grandchildren Paul Jacob, Talena Leigh, Isaac, and Iris Surisadai; her sister-in-law Rose, her brother George and his wife Rosa Maria, her brother Manuel and his wife Linda, and her brother Gilbert; and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary Alice grew up on the Southside, graduating from Harlandale High School in 1967. She went on to work for Harlandale ISD, where she served and was a member of the Harlandale Educational Support Association HESA throughout her 39 years with the district. Mary Alice took great pride in her work, as illustrated by her many professional accomplishments. She served as president of HESA from 1979 to 1981 and again from 2001 to 2003. A HESA Today Chair for 3 separate years, Mary Alice served as HESA's scholarship fundraiser "Master of Ceremony" at the annual HESA Today Banquet for over 10 years. She received recognition for her work for the district on several occasions, including being honored as a HESA Member of the Year 1985 and HESA Today Secretary of the Year 2000. Mary Alice was the recipient of the Red McCombs Partnership in Education Red School House Award in 2007, and was recognized by HESA on several occasions for her service, including receiving a Certificate of Appreciation 1969--2008, recognition for her service as President during both terms, and a final recognition for her "Countless Years of Service" for HESA 1969-2007. Mary Alice was featured in the San Antonio Express News in 1979 promoting the roles of the Secretary and Teacher Assistant, and again in 2005 in "On the Spot" for the Red School House Award. Most recently, she received post-retirement recognition by HESA when she was named an Honorary Member in May 2009. Those who were blessed to have known Mary Alice know that her accomplishments as a mother and grandmother far outweighed her professional achievements. She will be sorely missed by her family for the steadfast love and support that she provided them every day of her life, and she will be remembered by all for her thoughtfulness, her generosity, and her sweet disposition.

Tributes

Mary Alice Valenzuela

February 2, 1949 - September 17, 2009