Rebecca Guajardo Kennelly of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2026.  Rebecca (Becky) was born on September 18, 1950 in San Antonio to Emilio and Eva Guajardo, and graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1968. Following graduation, she entered federal civil service at Security Hill, Kelly Air Force Base, where she served as a secretary to a general and held top-secret security clearance.

In 1969, she met her future husband, Mike, who was stationed at Security Hill, Kelly AFB, for his third assignment. They married in San Antonio in April of 1970 and soon moved to Mike's hometown of Indianapolis, where he completed his college studies at IUPUI. During their time there, their daughter, Lorisha, was born. The family returned to San Antonio in 1975, and shortly thereafter welcomed their son, Michael.

Becky earned a Bachelor's degree in English from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She taught high school English, then taught English as a Second Language at the Defense Language Institute at Lackland AFB and continued serving students as a substitute teacher later in life.

She was a profoundly kind and selfless person who would do anything for anyone in need. She devoted much of her life to quiet acts of service-providing meals to the homeless, helping neighbors in times of need, and working to reduce the feral cat population by ensuring community cats were fed, spayed, and neutered.  Compassion guided her every action.

Becky was the matriarch and heart of her family, the steady center that brought everyone together. She loved literature, especially the romanticism of Shakespeare, whose words reflected her own appreciation for humanity and emotion. She enjoyed shopping and delighted in discovering unique finds that made her home warm and welcoming. As an avid San Antonio Spurs fan, Becky enjoyed watching games and sharing in the excitement of the team she loved. Some of her happiest moments were spent surrounded by family, taking in the scenery and sharing meals together in Gruene- moments she cherished deeply. Whatever challenges life presented, she faced them with strength and kept moving forward.

She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Mike, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage. She was also a cherished mother to her children, Lorisha Marchbanks (and her husband, Tobin) and Michael Kennelly, who will miss her beyond words and carry her love with them always.

She is survived by her husband Mike of San Antonio, daughter Lorisha (Tobin) Marchbanks of Austin, son Michael Kennelly of Austin, her grandson, Colin Marchbanks of Denver; sister, Anna (David) Anderson of Houston; her nephew, Zachary (Morgan) Anderson of Houston; and many in-laws, cousins, friends, neighbors, and all those whose lives were made brighter by her kindness.  Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Emilio and Eva Guajardo; her brother, Oscar Guajardo; and her nephew, John Anderson.

Memorial Services

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Gathering of Family and Friends

with Eulogies beginning at 7:00 P.M.

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

A private burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

In honor of Rebecca's memory, donations may be made to the San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition or any local animal shelter.

"We are such stuff that dreams are made on"

-William Shakespeare