STEPHEN AARON KUSHNER

SAN ANGELO - Stephen Aaron Kushner, son of Sara and Max Kushner and big brother to Lillith (Lilly) Rifka Kushner, passed away Monday, December 29, 2008, at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, after a brief illness. Stephen's fight for life began 11 years ago and continued until the day he went to a special place of peace and comfort. Our precious Stephen Aaron was born several months early Dec. 26, 1997, in Dallas, Texas. Stephen touched many lives throughout his short life and will be remembered in all of the places he lived. Stephen's loving ways and special personality made him special to those who knew him in Dallas, San Antonio, San Angelo, Texas, and Hawaii. Stephen attended Lackland Elementary School in San Antonio, where he loved to sing in the school choir, draw in Art Club, and to read Spiderwick and Magic Tree House books. His most important job was being a big brother to his sister, Lilly. While attending his special summer camp at Children's Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP-CAMP) in Centerpoint, Texas, he received the honor of Camper of the Week. In addition to his parents, Stephen is survived by his great-grandparents, William (Dub) and M'Lu McDaniel; grandparents Susan and Dennis McDaniel of San Angelo and Allen and Carmelita Kushner of Niantic, Conn., Michael and Mary Jo Ulin of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Jacqueline Golden of Lakewood, Colo.; uncles and aunts Gary and Yuko Kushner of Santa Clara, Calif., Michael and Jennifer Dzik of Chattanooga, Tenn., Mark and Kristen McDaniel of Denver, Colo., Matthew and Amy McDaniel of Mertzon, Texas, Christopher McDaniel of Dallas, and Jeffery Kushner of Wallingford, Conn.; and cousins Rachel and Rebecca Dzik, Will and Alexia McDaniel, and Declan and Ellery McDaniel. There were so many special people who passed through Stephen's life, but some of the most important of those were the hundreds of medical personnel, who worked diligently to give Stephen the quality of life he enjoyed. His most special friend and physician was Colonel (Dr) James Noel, Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, before his retirement at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, San Angelo. The family requests no flowers, but donations can be made for medically fragile and terminally ill children organizations at The Wish Connection at http://www.thewishconnection.org or Children's Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP-CAMP) at http://campcamp.org or P.O. Box 27086 San Antonio, TX 78227.

July 7, 2009
Ulysses Sinai Lopez
Stephen my Golden Boy, you are now FREE, and WELCOME to visit me, Uncle Joe, Abuelita and any of your family when ever you want. You can come in our hearts, dreams, and lives which are always open to you. We will make sure to always reserve a chair at the table at every special family event in your honor, to welcome your presence. Stephen you will never be forgotten, and I look forward to the day you and I will be reunited again, but not yet, not yet.....I love you always, and eternally my baby boy, Love your Daddy. Ulssess Sinai Lopez

July 7, 2009
Ulysses Sinai Lopez
So many special moments that you and I had Shared together as father and son, Which I will cherish always in my heart and capture them in my mind which no one can never take from us. I miss you greatly and there is never a day that passes without thinking of you, your beautiful smile and cheerful laugh. You were always so well befaved for me that I can never complain. You always strived to be a BIG BOY; learning your 123's and ABC's at such an early age. I rember the time you read your

January 22, 2009
Katherine and kathy Thomson
Our dearest Stephen, An angel with our lord in heaven. How your bright wonderful cheerful smile toughed our lives so deeply..... The memories we will cherish close to our guarded hearts forever with your love..... we remmember you so fondly at Katherine's graduation party in 2003, you were the life of the party, laughing and playing and so full of life....now your dancing with angels wings...Stephen, we will always have a special place in our hearts for you and your family always!!! Love the Thomson's

January 21, 2009
Uncle Joey Winter
My Dear Boy, You will be in my heart always. Even when you where not with me or around me I have always had you in my heart and in my mind. When I was in Alaska I climbed the biggest mountain, Mount Thunder I made it to the top! At that point I thought of you and how I wish I could one day take you there! Well next time I climb that mountain you will be there in spirit with me and no matter where I go. I would always tell people what an awesome little big guy you are and how much you ment to me. Stephen your life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. Journey well my boy,I will miss you very much! Love Uncle Joe

January 14, 2009
Tia (Aunt) Norma Lopez-Badal
Stephen Lopez will be missed so much by Tia (Aunt) Norma and Uncle John. I remember his smile and cute little eyes, walking around the house with Woody and Scoobe Do. I will never forget Stephen, my heart is in pain but I know that he is now in a peaceful place. Stephen, I will always love you and will keep you in my heart. - Norma Lopez-Badal

January 13, 2009
Josefina Medina
We will always remember our nephew Stephen Lopez. he was and will continue to be always in our prayers. He is now in a better place with his Grand Father David Lopez. His Grand Uncle Guillermo Aldana, Grand Ant Rosa Aldana, Their uncles Guillermo Aldana, Sol Cynthia Aldana, Osiris Aldana, Josefina Aldana, his cousins Crystal Medina, Beaumaris Santillan, Kevin Santillan, Christoph Santillan, Nijaib Aldana, his uncles Rafael Santillan and Daniel Medina will keep him in their hearts for ever. Descanse en Paz Stephen Lopez! Rest in Peace Stephen Lopez!

January 10, 2009
David Sanchez
I remember the little guy... Always happy. of course I remember him wearing diapers and running around with his Woody the Cowboy hat. My heart is broken. My tears are silent. Sarah,may the Lord comfort you and give you peace, the little guy is up there right now.

January 10, 2009
Uncle Dave
Stephen Lopez will be dearly missed by his biological family, "the Lopez and Winter family". He will be missed especially by his father Ulysses Lopez, his abuelita (grandmother), Guillermina Loera Lopez, Jimmy Clemmons, his favorite uncle, Joseph Winter, his uncles Johnny and Eric Winter, his uncle and aunt, John and Norma Badal his uncle Dave, his Auntie Jenny, and his cousins: Jessica, Lauren and Nicole.

January 10, 2009
Uncle Dave (Continued)
In 2001, Stephen came to visit our family in Chicago, where we shared many beautiful memories with him. Steven loved to go sledding during the winter, where he preferred the highest hills and never showed any fear. He would fly down the hill with a grin stretched a mile wide across his face. During the summer time, he loved to go swimming, his favorite spot being the beach. He would work diligently building beautiful sand castles before the tide came in. Where ever Stephen went, his favorite Woody doll would be by his side. He could bring a smile to anyone's face and could brighten up the room with his happy go lucky attitude.

January 10, 2009
Uncle Dave (Continued)
Stephen has touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. He will forever remain in our hearts. Love Always and Forever.

January 10, 2009
Willy
I'll never forget little Stephen running around playing spider-man.. he was so vibrant and full of life and was loved very much by his family. I reme