Manuela Enriquez

July 16, 1918 - October 28, 2015
It is with profound sadness that the family of Manuela V. Enriquez announces her passing on Friday, October 28, 2015, at the age of 97. She was born in Staples, Texas, on July 16, 1918, to Juan Villegas and Nemecia Narvaiz. She is preceded in death by her husband, Antonio Villarreal Enriquez and sons, Antonio V. Enriquez, Jr., and Raul Enriquez. She is survived by son, Robert V. Enriquez (Martha); and daughters, Maria Amparo Sosa, Genevieve Rodriguez (Sam), Clemencia Enriquez, Rosalinda Martin (Sam), Maria Elena Hernandez (Gilbert), and Sylvia Ann Enriquez; daughter-in-law, Magdalena Enriquez. She was blessed with 18 grandchildren (Tony, Raul, John, Erika, Andrea, Vincent & Michael Enriquez; Ida Lopez, Tanya Roland, John, Sammy & Sidney Sosa, Rochelle Rodriguez-Butler, Samuel Anthony Rodriguez, Steven & Marina Martin, Marisa & Jeanie Hernandez); many great and great, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. After raising her 9 children, Manuela went on to spend many years as a volunteer with the Foster Grandparents Program. She found great joy in helping to care for premature infants, children with disabilities and especially those who were abused or neglected. She was recognized by community leaders for her outstanding service. She was a rock, the foundation that instilled in her children a sense of responsibility and independence. Her greatest legacy will be the family she leaves behind-one that values an education and practices great work ethic. As a parent, she experienced the ultimate sacrifice. She lost a 21-year old son who served his country with honor and distinction. A granddaughter, Marisa Hernandez, who recently paid tribute to her at an exhibit for the San Antonio Women's Show at the Carver Center, said it best of her portrait-"My strong, beautiful 97-year-old grandmother, Manuela V. Enriquez, who takes my breath away." The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the devoted staffs at the San Antonio Morningside Manor and the VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit at Methodist Healthcare for their loving care during the last 9 months of her life. It also extends gratitude to her caregiver, Sandra Martinez, for her unselfish devotion and friendship. Visitation will be on Monday, November 2nd from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM at Porter Loring on McCullough. A Mass on Tuesday, November 3rd, at 10:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 152 Florencia Avenue, with interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery #2 and a reception at Holy Family Parish Hall. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com. Arrangements with