Alvinnell Thresa Fater duMenil, born November 29, 1935 in San Antonio, Texas, died peacefully at her home, on July 28, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 86.  She was the eldest daughter of Alvin and Thresa Fater.  She resided in San Antonio her entire life, grew up on the Southside, attended St.  Gerards Grade School, Sam Houston High School and was proud to have attended Incarnate Word High School her senior year. On June 25, 1960, Alvinnell married the love her life, Ray duMenil, and they moved to the Northeast side which was closer to the airport where they both worked.  There, she and Ray made their lifelong family home with their three girls.

Alvinnell (Nell) never met a stranger.  A true friend, she opened her heart to anyone who needed a kind ear or a helping hand.  She loved to talk and had a way of making people feel like they were family even if she had just met them.  There was always room at the table for one more person (or two).  The door was always open and welcoming to all.  She was the last of the 'great letter writers' and she was amazing at keeping in touch with friends.  She had many lifelong friends from as far back as grade school.

Nell spent her life as a loving wife, mother and homemaker.  She loved sewing and crafting and her many travels with Ray.  In her "spare time" she enjoyed working for Braniff Airlines, Dillard's, and Incarnate Word College.  Nell also worked as the neighborhood Avon Lady for many years.

Nell was devoted to her family and always put her husband, girls, and grandchildren first.  She was a true confidante to her grandchildren who spent hours on the phone or staying up late at Grandma's house, confiding in Grandma Lola.

She was a devout Catholic and put great faith in her prayers to Mother Mary.  Nell and Ray were founding members of St. Thomas More Catholic Church where they volunteered many years for both the parish and the school.

Nell always wanted to look her best when she left the house.  She is famously known for always reminding her girls… "Don't forget your lipstick!"

Alvinnell was preceded in death by her husband Ray.  She is survived by her daughters, Renee duMenil, Robin Hartman (Jeff), and Nicole Buentello (Andre); sister, Laraine Brown; brothers, Msgr. Douglas Fater, Kenneth Fater; grandchildren, Eric Hawes (Lindsay), Amanda Guajardo (Joshua), Ashley Angel (Juan), Amelia Rivera (Jacob), Reed Hartman (Kelsey), Alec Buentello, Megan Buentello; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Alice Rivera, Lucille Hartman

FUNERAL SERVICES

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, August 2, at 6:00 PM with

the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at The Angelus Chapel.

Funeral mass will offered on Wednesday, August 3, at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, celebrant is Msgr. Douglas Fater.

Services will conclude at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.