Susan Guerra

1951 - 2018

January 12, 1951 - May 201, 2018
Susan Guerra began her life-long career, caring for children, as a sister in the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul at guardian Angel Settlement St. Louis, Missouri. Susan's call at Guardian Angel was to serve the community in the name of Christ. Later, when Susan was no longer a nun, she married Eli Guerra. When the Guerra's had two children of their own, Susan once again was concerned about building communities that care about children. So, in 1981 the Guerra's rented a classroom at Harlandale Presbyterian Church and Guardian Angel Child Development Center enrolled it's first 5 children, including the Guerra's 2 children. Guardian Angel's enrollment grew, workers were hired and trained, and more rooms were needed to meet the need of the community for good childcare. Rev. Fred Norris became an avid supporter of Guardian Angel. "Padre Fred" made a pot of soup every day in the church kitchen so parents could drop in from work or between classes at Harlandale Senior High School across the street, to have lunch with their children.

The Guerra family based their model for children on what Susan had observed at Guardian Angel in St. Louis - to serve the need of the community by providing a safe, loving place for God's children. Their ministry is based on the teachings of Jesus - respect for the dignity and worth of each person. The bible tells us that good news of the gospel is a message of hope. The Guardian Angel mission states, "Hope is the message we will work to instill in all those touched by our work."

In October 2003, Guardian Angel Child Development Center became the official owners of the church property at 1630 Pleasanton Rd. We celebrate with worship and thanksgiving for the new purpose of our beloved church. The Guerra family has invested thousands of dollars refurbishing the building and for the installation of equipment required by the codes for a childcare facility. Today there are 64 children between the ages of 6 weeks up to 11 years old enrolled at Guardian Angel. After school and summer programs include computer classes, dancing, arts, and crafts, and cooking instruction.

Guardian Angel is a Beacon for the community. The ministry of Guardian Angel brings the good news of hope to families who live in today's Harlandale community, and to former members of Harlandale Presbyterian Church - that God's work will still be done at 1630 Pleasanton Rd. in San Antonio, Texas.

Services were already held through Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough, San Antonio, TX.