With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Louana Tyson on May 16th. An influential figure in our community, Louana was a beacon of faith, a stalwart family pillar, and an impactful business leader. Her courage shone bright throughout a seven-year battle with breast cancer, serving as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Louana was a devoted wife, mother, and executive, whose service to others was rooted in her faith. As a Benedictine Oblate, she embodied the values of prayer, work, study, hospitality, and renewal, continually offering herself in service to God and her community.

She dedicated her life to the service of others, her altruism evident in her many volunteer activities. Among her most cherished endeavors were the annual Christmas gingerbread and Easter egg decorating events she orchestrated, bringing joy to over 2,000 children throughout the years. Her philanthropic spirit also led her to actively support various non-profits, notably the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, along with numerous faith-based and veteran organizations.

Louana's indefatigable spirit remained unwavering even amidst personal trials. Her resilience shone brightest during her years as a young mother, during which she navigated numerous medical challenges and the tragic loss of her young son, Samuel. Louana was a rock that could not be broken, an unsinkable ship, a piece of hardened steel that could not be bent. Her inner strength, complemented by her outer beauty and selfless commitment to others, was guided by the Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia, "He should first show them in deeds rather than words all that is good and holy."

A lifelong baseball fan, Louana cherished the Washington Nationals and frequently traveled to games at Nat's Park in Washington. An ardent dog lover and dedicated hiker, she treasured exploring San Antonio's greenways and national parks with her husband and their Border Collie and Sheltie.

Her early years were marked by her service in the Air Force where she supported the 89th Presidential Support Unit at Andrews AFB Maryland. It was there that she met her beloved husband, Steve, to whom she was devotedly married for 40 years. After leaving the Air Force to start her family, Louana reentered the workforce once her children were in school.

Her impressive government career began at the Tri-Service Military System Support Center (TMSSC) at Brooks AFB, TX, where she contributed significantly to the Composite Health Care System (CHCS). She swiftly rose through the ranks to become Support Lead, managing a 60-member team. In 2001, she played a vital role in the transition of TMSSC to Military Health Support (MHS) at Alamo Downs, where she was promoted to Tier 1 Support Manager.

In 2006, Louana brought her dynamic leadership to the Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) at Ft. Sam Houston, managing over 100 people and supporting multiple worldwide healthcare applications.

Later in her career, Louana co-founded and served as the COO of Online Builder Guides, an award-winning national marketing company supporting the builder and real estate industry in over 20 strategic locations across the country. A recognized technology expert and innovator, she held numerous advanced technical certifications, including Enterprise Help Desk Director, ITIL, Database Management, and Strategic Report Design.

Louana Tyson's legacy is one of strength, dedication, and unwavering service. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jesus Garza and son, Samuel Tyson; and is survived by her husband, Stephen M. Tyson; mother, Marisol Garza; children, Stephen M. Tyson II (Larysa), Matthew Tyson (Andrea); grandchildren, Mathew Tyson II, Carter Tyson; sister, Lorraine Garza; and brothers, Jose Garza and Carlos Garza.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 1st at 6:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at St. Brigid Catholic Church.  Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, June 2nd at 10:00 A.M. at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 6907 Kitchener St., San Antonio, TX 78240