Monique Yvette Derrington

January 23, 1975 – November 2, 2020

Have you ever met someone who just makes your day instantly better?  That was Monique to a tee.  She had a radiant smile and personality that was truly beautiful.  Having had the blessing to be by her side for the past 25 years, 23 as her husband, I don't think I've ever met anyone who didn't come to know her as 'friend'.  Her presence and love was like the warmth of the south Texas sun on a chilly November morning.  She was an example of kindness and servant leadership wherever she went.  I can honestly say that I am twice the man I could be thanks to her.  This is my love letter for her, for you, for our children, and those still to come.

As most of you knew she had been battling breast cancer and other forms of it for the past six years.  A true fighter in spirit, she never felt self-pity, and even to the end, was always more concerned about others' welfare more than her own.  That was her true caregiving spirit shining through.  She went back to the Lord in her sleep late in the evening of November 1st.  All Saints Day.  A fitting tribute to who she truly was in our eyes.

Monique was born and grew up in New Braunfels, Texas.  At that time still a fairly small town founded by German immigrants many generations ago.  Her mom, Barbara, grew up on a family farm in the Czech community of Fayetteville, Texas and her dad, Gaston, was raised in Differdange, Luxembourg and came to America at the age of 17 with a strong entrepreneurial curiosity.  They both met and settled down to start a family there.  And Gaston's Salon and Spa, run by Barbara now after Gaston's passing, has taken care of loyal customers in the community for decades.

Her hometown was a special and unique place, especially by today's experience – generations of families that knew and lived together where you truly knew your neighbor.  She often told me that you couldn't go out and do anything bad as a teenager, because 'everyone in town would know'.  But that tight knit community environment also provided her friends for life.  Those that would shape who she would become - and I know she did the same for them.  The list of families and friends is too long to include here, but you know who you are.

Monique had so many talents and interests growing up.  Everything ranging from piano recitals, synchronized swimming and band (clarinet player) competitions, church choir, to baton twirling, student council, German exchange student and salutatorian in high school.  If there was something that she wanted to do, she set her mind to it, and did it extremely well.  These experiences shared with her family and friends made her who she would become.  Her love of music, swimming, art and friendships guided her wherever she went.

Her brothers, Ryan and Zach, were also very special influences in her life.  Although sometimes while growing up they fought like real brothers and sisters do – she loved them deeply and took care of them as a 'second' mom.  As they matured, that bond became closer and closer.  I can see that same characteristic echoing within our own three children – who share the same sister, brother, brother pattern.  Their shared relationship is and will always be a beautiful gift.

Monique eventually headed to Texas A&M to study biomedical science, with plans to go into the medical profession.  As usual, she made friends wherever she went.  And luckily for me, an Aggie Band member - and sometimes a third wheel - those friends thought that she and I might make a good match.  One blind date, her smile, and the rest was history.  We got engaged a year later with friends under the Century Oak and then married the summer after that year.  A young couple, hand in hand, journeying together into life.

As a physical therapist for two decades she pushed herself and others to give their patients the best care possible.  Always taking new courses, learning new techniques, and sharing those with her fellow professionals.  Serving those fragile preemies, their families, and her fellow coworkers in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children's Hospital of San Antonio was where her heart was.  That was her second family, away from home.

Monique brought into the world three miraculous people – our children – Emily, Luc and Cole.  They echo her love every day in our life and I know will go into the world as they grow and mature to make it a better place.  Just as their mother modeled for them daily.  They truly did have the 'best mom in the world'.  She is still with them, looking down from heaven, and will serve as their newest 'prayer saint'.  God, in his own way, has granted us this blessing, which even in this difficult time brings us peace.

Finally, and probably most essentially, Monique was a women of strong Catholic faith.  She was truly a light at our feet for her family and guided us into life changing relationships with our Savior and His body the Church family.  She walked with Christ daily.  Her powerful example moved my heart to convert to the church a year before Emily was born.  She loved her fellow parishioners, saying hi before or after mass to check in, and cherished those mornings of gathering together as a special group for the healing rosary.  This was the fire that keep her heart burning.

I want to recognize the family members in her life who were left behind.  First and foremost her mother Barbara Ann Haupert, from the Kasmiersky and Kulhanek families, who cared for and guided Monique every day - especially during her illness.  Monique was preceded by her father Gaston Theodore Haupert.  Also here to carry on, are her middle brother Gaston Ryan Haupert, wife Kristen and their two daughters Anelise and Elina. And her youngest brother Zachary Sean Haupert, his wife Rachelle and their children Rylan, Noah and Tenley.

Also, her husband Christopher Terrell Derrington and children Emily, Luc and Cole. Her Godfather Fernand Courtehoute.  Her Godchildren Cassidy Koeck and Quinn Hilliard.  And our adopted 'as their own family' neighbors Ron and Carol Hultquist.

I would like to thank Dr. Amy Lang, nurses Mary Maser, Rose O'Brien, Val, LaDonna and others so numerous to list from The Start Center for Cancer Care.  Also for the home health and hospice care givers who served Monique well during difficult times.  I have truly come to appreciate what you give of yourselves day in and day out.

In conclusion, if you are reading this, I can bet it's because Monique impacted your life in some very meaningful way.  Sometimes it was as simple as just her smile.  I ask that you carry that gift from her with you in your heart and share it with those you meet each day.  It's one of the simple gestures she used to change the world for the better and an amazing way we can continue her legacy.

Thank you,

Chris Derrington

Service and Memorial details:

Funeral services will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3303 Urban Crest Drive, San Antonio, TX 78209 this Saturday, November 7th at 2:30-3:30pm; with viewing and visitation starting at 1:30pm.  Those that can't attend in person can view the service on the church's Facebook page.

Flowers for the funeral mass can be sent directly to the church Friday from 10am-4pm.  For those that would like to give in other ways, a college fund for the children will be set up and funds can be sent via the Venmo app @cderrington or mailed to Monique Memorial, 1810 Flintbed, San Antonio, TX 78232.

Also a memorial donation can be made in Monique's name to The Children's Hospital of San Antonio Foundation, 100 NE Loop 410, Suite 706, San Antonio, TX 78216 or https://www.childrenshospitalsafoundation.org/donate/