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CAROLINE SPANA Obituary
On Thursday, January 14, 2021, Caroline Josephine Spana — revered matriarch, nursing professor, vaccination advocate, ruthless Scrabble opponent and seamstress — left this existence on her terms, at home with family. She was 83 years old.
She was born in San Antonio on July 24, 1937, to Leo and Hazel (Terry) Schoch. She attended Incarnate Word College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1959. Caroline wed Ronald Spana, on July 29, 1960. Immediately afterwards, the couple left for Turkey for a few years. Upon returning to San Antonio, Caroline joined IWC's School of Nursing faculty in 1964 and soon thereafter completed a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. In 1994, she earned a doctorate in Parent Child Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin.
Caroline was active in faculty governance at Incarnate Word, serving as the first woman to preside over the Faculty Association. In 2013, after a distinguished 50 years of service at the university, Caroline retired from her role as coordinator of student advising and director of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. For over 60 years, she acted in various local and state roles for the Texas Nurses Association, encouraged her students to become members of TNA and, ultimately, advocated for nurse participation in change and health policy making.
Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother Michael. She is survived by her siblings and their partners: Terry Schoch, Paul Schoch, Rita Schoch, Louise Wurz, Philip and Melanie Schoch, Pamela Schoch, Kyra and Jimmy Terral, Alan and Sylvia Schoch; her children and their partners: Paul and Susan Spana, Monica and Donna Schoch-Spana, David Spana, Chris Spana and Brenda Gentry, Adam Spana and Heidi Novotny, Aimée Spana and Stephen Wilson, and John and Amanda Spana; grandchildren: Chris, Leo, Sarah and Elizabeth; many nieces and nephews; and cat: McCracken ("Mac").
Caroline will be remembered for many things: beneficence, both private and public; thriftiness (she never met a tin she wanted to throw out); her David-and-Goliath attitude toward the healthcare industry; making countless drapes, dresses, pajamas and Halloween costumes; her cross-stitch; her dolls; her wit; being a life-long reader; deftness with butterfly bandages; puzzling over puzzles.
A socially distanced funeral mass will be held at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach, at 10 a.m., Friday, January 29. The mass will also be live-streamed with a virtual wake to follow at 3 p.m. Interment in the Terry family cemetery in San Saba, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the nursing scholarship Caroline established, the Margaret Wallace Nursing Scholarship at University of the Incarnate Word. Donations can be made online or mailed to University of the Incarnate Word, Development Office, 4301 Broadway CPO 317, San Antonio, TX 78209. Details for virtual services and online donations can be found at
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for CAROLINE SPANA
Sponsored by Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge.
Pat (once) Clissold
January 18, 2023
I loved her laugh! Never to be forgotten
April Tinajero
October 14, 2021
I remember Dr. Spana when I went to University of the Incarnate Word. I was so nervous to enter the nursing program. She was so nice and very convincing. So sorry for your loss.
Sr. Shirley Vaughn, CCVI
January 30, 2021
On behalf of SistersCare at The Village, I offer our sympathy to Dr. Spana's large family. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to care for Caroline in her home. With her life-long close association with Incarnate Word, it was our privilege to assist her to the end of this life. May God grant each of you peace and strength as you continue her legacy in your own ways.
Richard Weil
January 28, 2021
My family grew up across the street from the Spanas, and she was an integral part of the neighborhood life. I am certain that there are many people who can attest to Caroline's numerous and impressive professional accomplishments.
To me, when I think of her, what I remember is my mother saying "Ask Mrs. Spana about that" or "We better ask Mrs. Spana and see what she thinks" or when one of us neighborhood kids got hurt, the answer was often "See if Mrs. Spana is home". I really can't think of a better way to illustrate how valued Caroline was by everyone. Certainly by her family, but also by many other people.
Caroline was funny, warm, and wise, and my life is better for having grown up with her and the family she raised.
Beth Senne-Duff
January 28, 2021
Caroline was such a fun colleague. She was a memorable person who gave much to UIW and her fellow faculty. May your memories comfort in your time of grief.
Lisa Delao
January 27, 2021
What a wonderful woman we have lost. Caroline was the best of both a friend and neighbor. This world is much leser without her humor, heart and intelligence. My heartfelt condolences to her beautiful family, as well as my eternal gratitude for the honor of sharing this amazing woman with me.
I will always hold closely her marvelous storytelling and her kindness. Love and healing to you ,each and all.
Pat Marlow
January 27, 2021
I only knew Caroline for a few months when we both lived in Izmir Turkey. She made a big difference to my life. She was joyful and funny and beautiful. I will never forget her
Dr. Felix-Ortiz and the UIW Department of Psychology
January 27, 2021
On behalf of UIW Psychology, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Spana's family. She made a difference in so many lives. We hope you find comfort in recalling the wonderful times you shared with her. We, too, have missed her at UIW and will continue to miss her.
Sarah J Williams
January 26, 2021
The nursing community has lost a giant who made so many contributions to the profession especially by teaching and molding students and offering her wisdom and intellect through her involvement in her favorite professional nursing organization - Texas Nurses Association. District 8 will definitely miss seeing her at both local and state meetings. Condolences to her family and friends.
Sarah Williams
Bill Carleton
January 25, 2021
She was an important individual who helped make UIW a success. She knew her business and she did it with a great since of humor. Miss you Caroline.
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