Catching up with friends over the holidays
By Jennie l. Reed
Why is it that we must devote space in every new column to saying goodbye to friends? This month it was Bill Madison and Guillermo or "Willie" Zuniga, as we knew him. Bill was married to the former Frances Gonzalez. He was a brilliant, unassuming man. He was director of the MIS Department at the Harvard Business School and had worked for NASA and the US Government. He was quiet about his work and his family was surprised and pleased to learn in what esteem he had been held. Born in Ohio , Bill was a Mason and the quiet Masonic graveside ritual, together with the poignant Mexican mariachi music that accompanied a nearby funeral, rather summed up the mixtures of traditions that Bill had come to love. We met his daughters Patricia and Faith for the first time and as is usual at most wakes, we spoke of how he would have enjoyed the gathering of friends and family.
Willie was married to the former Gloria Novoa. One of the first feature stories we wrote many years ago was the story of the amazing Zuniga family. Willy's parents were Alfonso J. and Concepcion Zuniga. Their home on Market Street expanded as their family did. It was filled with love and beautiful, talented children. Willie and his Gloria also had a large family. Following his Naval career, Willie rose to the rank of Captain in the Naval Reserve. He commanded the Laredo Naval Reserve unit for over seven years and was promoted to captain in 1975. The tragedy of Alzheimer's disease -- that it seems to attack the most brilliant -- shortened his useful life, but he is remembered by so many for his active, caring ways and his community service. Two good men gone to their just rewards.
The holidays sped past with parties and family gatherings and good deeds. This time of year makes everyone more aware of blessings sometimes taken for granted, and a sharper awareness of those in need. It's a shame this spirit doesn't show itself more all year long.
The Society of Martha Washington's beautiful Presentation and Ball was a holiday highlight. You'll find great coverage in the recent issue of Greater Laredo.
Keeping up with our former neighbors and friends, Steve and Susan Stanley Treviño, now live in Warner Robbins, Georgia where Steve is a civilian contractor with the U.S. government. Their children are Matthew, Nicolas, and Samantha. They love Georgia and are all doing well, but don't get to Laredo too often. Every summer they visit her brother Jim and his family in San Antonio , where Steve's parents now live also. Her parents are Jim and Linda Stanley, who still live in Laredo . Jim and his wife are both nurses and are expecting their second daughter in March. Lisa Stanley, Jim and Linda's other daughter, now lives in Houston . She is with Wells Fargo and doing well also.
Edna Oliveira was kind enough to give the Kidney Foundation of Laredo a donation on behalf of the Woodmen of the World Laredo lodge. Carlota Gomez is the new president of the Kidney Foundation. For members‚ holiday visits to the dialysis patients is always a special time. There are about 400 local patients receiving the life-saving treatments.
Most kidney disease is caused from diabetes but uncontrolled hypertension is also a contributor to kidney failure. A correct diet and exercise are the best preventives. How true that is for most of our health problems.
Being a long-time admirer of Lady Bird Johnson, was happy to learn from Jaimee Aigret, while she was visiting her dad Yves, that she worked with Lynda Johnson Robb's daughter. Also very interested in following Lynda's life. Lady Bird's Wildflower Center is one of the projects we support, and to help her celebrate her birthday, the former First Lady sent a letter in which we were invited to help her Center as a gift to her. Glad to comply. She was the first to bring our beautiful wildflowers to prominence. Now it seems everyone is "going native."
It's an exciting time for pretty Melissa Martin. She is being presented as a deb by the Society of Martha Washington and she was elected LIFE Queen. She and her Court will reign over the LIFE Fair this spring, March 10-13. The qualifying contest consisted of a written essay, informal interview, and modeling.
First Runner Up was Melissa Yvette Cantu and Second Runner Up was Jessica Jane Benavides. Belinda Guerra, LIFE board director and chair for the queen contest, awarded the trophies. Oscar Martinez, Jr., is also a board director. Claudia Williams is the executive director for LIFE.
Melissa Martin is a senior at J. B. Alexander health and science magnet school. She is the daughter of Tom and Dee Dee Martin. Melissa Cantu is a senior at United South business magnet school. She is the daughter of José Ricardo and Diana Cantu. Jessica is a senior at L. G. Cigarroa high school. Her parents are Jesús and San Juanita Benavides.
The little things in life can be the most fun, can't they? Looking out the French doors at the three "stray" cats huddled in a heap on the furry blanket we got them, it gives us such joy to watch their antics. Any odd noise piques their interest and those ears swivel and point in all directions. They actually hiss at us when we offer food, but they eat it nonetheless! We are not the only softies. Stephanie Gault has a cat tower for her "strays" to frolic on. She came by with a digital camera for the animal shelter. Our thanks to her for her energy and her thoughtfulness.
Any other softies out there could make a donation to the shelter to purchase bales of hay for the larger animals to nest in during the cold weather. The shelter crew can pick the bales up in the truck. This was our dilemma. How to transport the hay? Just pay for it and they will pick it up.
We saw this somewhere and liked it: "A house is the history of all those who have lived there;" and "When we move away, we leave the fingerprints of the people we were then."
