Resident of the Month

This month, we honor Valerie, an extraordinary resident whose life story reflects resilience, community engagement, and a heartfelt commitment to helping others.

Valerie’s journey began on a family farm in Karnes County, located about 50 miles south of San Antonio. Growing up with two younger sisters, she cherished the simplicity of rural life surrounded by family. However, when she was around ten, her family relocated to a nearby town to pursue better educational opportunities during a difficult drought in the 1950s. With her father transitioning from farming to carpentry and her mother running a sewing business, Valerie learned the importance of hard work early on, often assisting her mother during the summer months.

After finishing high school, Valerie embarked on her career in San Antonio, moving into an apartment with a classmate. It was during this time that she reconnected with Gilbert, a childhood friend who had also settled in the city. They married and raised two sons, Todd and Cliff. Valerie devoted her early years to being a stay-at-home mom until they constructed their dream home, designed by the family.

Once her children were in elementary school, Valerie shifted to a role in hospital administration in San Antonio. Later on, she became a hospice volunteer coordinator, a position she found immensely rewarding as she trained others to support patients in need.

In 2000, after Gilbert’s retirement, the couple moved to the Boerne area to be to their grandchildren. Valerie’s post-retirement years were filled with volunteering as a tutor at the local elementary school and exploring genealogy, uncovering her family’s rich history.

Considering their health, Valerie and her husband transitioned to independent living in San Antonio, where they enjoyed forming new friendships and engaging in various activities. After Gilbert’s passing and then Valerie’s recovery from knee surgery, she chose to move closer to her family in Georgetown and found a welcoming community at The Oscar.
For the past five months, Valerie has embraced her new home, enthusiastically welcoming newcomers and actively participating in gardening activities. She enjoys sharing her bountiful harvest of cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs with the kitchen staff and fostering connections with fellow residents and staff alike.

Valerie’s kindness and commitment to the community make her a beloved member of our community. We are truly grateful to have her and look forward to her ongoing contributions.

Congratulations, Valerie, on being our Resident of the Month!