Angelina Fernandez Escareño, lovingly known to all as Nina, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas—the city where her life began and where her love took root across generations. She was 92 years old.

Born on October 31, 1933, to Miguel and Cecilia Fernandez, Nina was a proud daughter of San Antonio's West Side. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Louis Rondan Escareño, Sr. ("Mickey"), her parents, her siblings Mike, Licha, Raul, and Robert Fernandez, her grandson Nicholas Maldonado, and her great-grandchild Rafael Michael, Jr. She is survived by her loving brother, Ralph Fernandez.

Nina and Mickey were married on March 19, 1952, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Their marriage was a true love story—one built on devotion, sacrifice, and deep affection. Those who witnessed their life together saw not only a partnership, but a bond of enduring love. He adored her, and after his passing, she missed him dearly. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and home.

Her greatest calling—and her greatest joy—was her family.

Nina lived a life of quiet strength and extraordinary generosity. She raised five children while also caring for her own mother, and later her in-laws, always placing others before herself. She was the first to wake and the last to rest, ensuring that everyone around her was cared for, fed, and loved.

Nina's life was a masterclass in love, sacrifice, and grace. A faithful Catholic, Nina was a devoted member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. Her faith was steady and deeply rooted, guiding her life and sustaining her through every season.

Her kindness defined her. She was gentle, loving, and beautiful—inside and out. Everyone who met her commented not only on her outward beauty, but on the grace and warmth she carried so naturally. She taught her children and grandchildren to be kind, to help others, and to live with goodness and faith. Those lessons now live on through each of them.

From her home on Huisache Street, Nina created a place of warmth, laughter, and belonging—a place where generations gathered and lifelong memories were made. She had a gift for making a house a home.

She was an extraordinary cook—her kitchen was the heart of every holiday, especially Thanksgiving, where she prepared what her family proudly calls the best turkey plate in the world. She found joy in giving—whether through meals, thoughtful gifts, or simply her presence. Christmas and family gatherings were her stage, and she filled them with love, tradition, and unforgettable moments.

Nina also carried a beautiful sense of style—elegant, warm, and unmistakably her own. She loved shopping trips to Dillard's and Marshalls, and she wore her favorite leopard prints with a quiet confidence that became part of her signature.

She embraced joy in both the everyday and the extraordinary. She especially loved celebrating her Halloween birthday—October 31—dressing up and handing out candy to neighborhood children, creating memories that reflected her playful spirit and generous heart. She also cherished her trips to Las Vegas, where she delighted in playing the slots and, by all accounts, had a lucky touch. Those trips brought her great joy and became part of the stories her family will always carry forward.

She is survived by her five children: Louis Rey Escareño; Helen Aguilar (Roy); Elizabeth Escareño Collazo (Eddie); Michael F. Escareño (Morlene); and Patricia Ann Escareño, along with her brother, Ralph Fernandez.

She was the proud and loving grandmother of thirteen grandchildren: B.J. Maldonado (Letty), Charlie Winkler, Roy B. Aguilar (Stephie), Jared R. Aguilar, Alexandra N. Villalobos (Gino), Michael Escareño, Jr. (Erica), Jeffery Cervantes (Nikki), Stacee Rae Cervantes, Eddie Collazo, Jr. (Rosie), Tabatha Ann Mireles (Rapha), Luke Anthony Collazo, and Elizabeth J. Collazo (Fatima).

She was also blessed with seventeen great-grandchildren: Benjamin (Kyle), Arianna, Meadow, Liam, Isaiah Nicholas (Avery), Eliana Nichole, Asher, Tori, Sophie, Charlotte, Romi, Clark, Jeffrey Wyatt, Sienna, Manu, and Zoe Escareño.

To her grandchildren, she was not just Nana—she was the BEST Nana in the world. To her great-grandchildren, she was lovingly known as "OG Nana"—the original, the foundation, the heart of the family. Her home on Huisache Street will forever remain a symbol of love, comfort, and belonging.

She was, simply put, the best mother in the world—and an exceptional Nana.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, at 5:00 p.m. at The Angelus Chapel, 1119 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, March 27, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 350 Sutton Drive, San Antonio. Interment will follow at San Jose Burial Park, with a reception to follow.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Vista Hospice—especially Jill, Deborah, and Venus—for their compassionate care, and to Chaplain Michele, whose prayers and presence brought comfort in her final months. Special thanks as well to all who visited, prayed, and surrounded her with love.

She leaves behind not only a family, but a legacy—a way of living that calls each of us to be better, kinder, and more faithful. While we cannot imagine life without her, we will carry forward that which she taught us: to care for one another, to do good, to live well, and to trust that one day, we will be together again.