Kirby Senior Center

Funeral Services for Shirley Peltier

Family and friends are invited to attend the services honoring the life of Shirley Peltier.

Wednesday, May 20
Viewing: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rosary: 7:00 PM
FuneralCaring USA
2621 Mossrock
San Antonio, TX 78230

Thursday, May 21
Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM
St. Joan of Arc Church
2829 Ackerman Rd
Kirby, TX 78219

Interment: 11:30 AM
Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery - Pavilion 3
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, TX 78209

Over the past two days, the Kirby Senior Center had the privilege of welcoming two incredible groups of young people into our center, and I can honestly say the experience left a lasting impact on me emotionally and personally.

On Wednesday, the Candlewood Elementary choir consisting of both 4th and 5th graders visited to perform for our seniors, and on Thursday, students from the Robert Cole Junior/High School JROTC program spent time at the center playing games, crafting, socializing, and simply connecting with our members.

What stood out to me most was not just the performances or activities, it was the heart behind these young people. During the Candlewood visit, I had the opportunity to speak with all of the students about their dreams, goals, and what they want to do in life. They spoke with such honesty, hope, and kindness that it genuinely moved me to tears. I found myself reminding them over and over that every single one of them matters and that each of them will play a role in making this world a better place. In a time where so much negativity and division can overshadow the good around us, these children reminded me that there is still so much hope for the future.

One moment that will stay with me forever was when one of the students noticed I was emotional during a song and made sure to give me a hug. Such a small gesture, yet it carried so much compassion and sincerity. That moment alone speaks volumes about the importance of raising children who lead with empathy and kindness.

The visit from the Robert Cole JROTC students carried that same spirit. Watching our seniors laugh, talk, craft, and interact with these students was a beautiful reminder of how powerful intergenerational connections can be. These moments matter, not just for seniors, but for our youth as well. They create understanding, compassion, respect, and a stronger sense of community.

I truly believe we, as a community, must continue finding ways to encourage and engage our youth. Give them opportunities to volunteer, to connect, to lead, and to simply be present with others. Young people thrive when they feel seen, valued, and involved in something bigger than themselves.

I also want to give a very special thank you to Mr. Posada from Candlewood Elementary. It was impossible not to notice how deeply he cares for his students and how much respect they have for him in return. Educators like him are shaping far more than lesson plans, they are shaping character, compassion, and future generations. We do not thank our teachers and educators nearly enough for the impact they have on the lives of our children and our communities.

To the students, teachers, staff, and volunteers who spent time with us this week: thank you for bringing joy, hope, and heart into the Kirby Senior Center. You reminded all of us that kindness, compassion, and human connection still matter deeply.
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Durante los últimos dos días, el Centro de Personas Mayores Kirby tuvo el privilegio de dar la bienvenida a dos grupos increíbles de jóvenes en nuestras instalaciones; honestamente puedo decir que la experiencia dejó en mí una huella perdurable, tanto en el plano emocional como en el personal.

El miércoles, el coro de la Escuela Primaria Candlewood —compuesto por alumnos de cuarto y quinto grado— nos visitó para ofrecer una actuación a nuestros residentes de la tercera edad. El jueves, por su parte, los estudiantes del programa JROTC de la Escuela Secundaria Robert Cole pasaron un tiempo en el centro participando en juegos, realizando manualidades, socializando y, simplemente, conectando con nuestros miembros.

Lo que más me impactó no fueron solo las actuaciones o las actividades en sí, sino el gran corazón que hay detrás de estos jóvenes. Durante la visita de Candlewood, tuve la oportunidad de conversar con todos los estudiantes sobre sus sueños, sus metas y lo que desean hacer en la vida. Hablaron con tal honestidad, esperanza y bondad que, sinceramente, me conmovieron hasta las lágrimas. Me encontré recordándoles una y otra vez que cada uno de ellos es importante y que cada uno desempeñará un papel fundamental para hacer de este mundo un lugar mejor. En una época en la que tanta negatividad y división pueden ensombrecer lo bueno que nos rodea, estos niños me recordaron que todavía existe una inmensa esperanza para el futuro.
Un momento que recordaré para siempre fue cuando uno de los estudiantes notó que me había emocionado durante una canción y se aseguró de darme un abrazo. Fue un gesto tan pequeño, y sin embargo, transmitía tanta compasión y sinceridad. Ese momento, por sí solo, dice mucho sobre la importancia de criar niños que actúen guiados por la empatía y la bondad.

La visita de los estudiantes del programa JROTC de Robert Cole estuvo impregnada de ese mismo espíritu. Ver a nuestros adultos mayores reír, conversar, realizar manualidades e interactuar con estos estudiantes fue un hermoso recordatorio de lo poderosas que pueden ser las conexiones intergeneracionales. Estos momentos son importantes, no solo para los adultos mayores, sino también para nuestra juventud. Generan comprensión, compasión, respeto y un sentido de comunidad más sólido.

Creo sinceramente que nosotros, como comunidad, debemos seguir buscando formas de alentar e involucrar a nuestros jóvenes. Debemos brindarles oportunidades para ser voluntarios, para conectar con los demás, para ejercer liderazgo y, simplemente, para estar presentes junto a otras personas. Los jóvenes prosperan cuando se sienten vistos, valorados e involucrados en algo que trasciende su propia individualidad.

También quiero expresar un agradecimiento muy especial al Sr. Posada, de la Escuela Primaria Candlewood. Era imposible no notar el profundo afecto que siente por sus estudiantes y el gran respeto que ellos, a su vez, sienten por él. Educadores como él están moldeando mucho más que simples planes de estudio; están moldeando el carácter, la compasión y a las generaciones futuras. Nunca agradecemos lo suficiente a nuestros maestros y educadores por el impacto que tienen en la vida de nuestros niños y en nuestras comunidades.

A los estudiantes, maestros, personal y voluntarios que pasaron tiempo con nosotros esta semana: gracias por traer alegría, esperanza y calidez humana al Centro para Adultos Mayores de Kirby. Nos recordaron a todos que la bondad, la compasión y la conexión humana siguen siendo valores de profunda importancia.

Candlewood Elementary School

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of one of our beloved senior center members, Shirley Peltier, who left us this past Saturday. Since the grand opening of the Kirby Senior Center in 1993, she has been a constant presence and a true cornerstone of our community.

For over three decades, she brought light, laughter, and warmth to everyone around her. She was deeply involved not only at the center, but also at St. Joan of Arc Church and the VFW here in Kirby. Shirley was always giving her time, her energy, and her spirit to the community she loved so much.

She had a way about her that was unforgettable. Always smiling, always cheerful, even on her hardest days, she carried a sense of peace that you could feel the moment you were near her. She was quick-witted, full of humor, and could make anyone laugh. Being around her was a gift.

To many of us, she was more than just a member, she was family. To me personally, she felt like a grandmother, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Even as her health began to decline this past year, her strength and determination never left her. She made it a point to attend one last special event with us, the Kirby Senior Center Christmas Party, reminding us all of her love for this place and the people in it.

In her own way, she held a special kind of presence here. When she walked into the room, everything seemed to pause. We all instinctively made sure she was taken care of, happy, and surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and community that will not be forgotten. She will truly be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.