Nina's Obituary
I am heartbroken to announce the loss of my wife, best and dearest friend, and my lover for 52 years, Nina Lei Watson Chevalier, on September 6, 2020. She was born December 29, 1950, raised in San Antonio, and graduated from Alamo Heights High School Class of 1969.
Who was Nina, she was a wife, a lover, a mother, a grandmother, an Aunt, and a good friend. She was also an artist, a crafter, a quilter, a gardener, and an amateur astronomer. There wasn't anything she couldn't master. She was a peacemaker.
She was a member of the Medina County Quilters Guild. She made Quilts of Honor for Veterans and quilts for family members.
She was a big supporter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, as she was a descendent of one.
She also loved planting new and different kinds of plants and sharing them with others. You could always find her busy working on a new and intriguing project or two. She was the 'Energizer Bunny'.
If you were ever down during the holidays you could always go to Nina and Ed's home where all of her handmade decorations were on display on the inside and out. Your mood will change right away once you stepped into her house and could feel the spirit and love she put in to making a Norman Rockwell painting come to life. You were always welcome at Nina's house.
She loved looking at the night sky and was like a sponge learning new things about astronomy and teaching others what she had learned.
She was a founding member of the San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers (SALSA), a brilliant amateur astronomer and educator, and the "mother hen" of the club. Nina was a tremendous outreach ambassador, organizing and leading citizen science for years, and bringing a genuine joy for the space sciences to thousands in the south Texas region.
She was also the perfect Texas host, and could do a traditional ranch BBQ party with her husband Ed like no one else.
Nina had been battling a non-Covid illness for a long time, but was one of those people of such strong spirit and energy, you'd never detect her struggles.
Nina was like the North Star, an anchor, or Landmark that helps those who follow determine direction and brightly guide them toward a purposeful destination. Many times in our lives she was there to lend a hand or an ear. She always told it like it was, which you may not have wanted to hear, but she was always there to help you through it.
If you didn't get a chance to say goodbye, or tell her "Thank You" for being in your life, just look for the North Star on a clear night and tell her.
She will always be in our minds and in our hearts as a celestial object that we had the pleasure of knowing and could feel the spirt and love she put into making a Norman Rockwell painting come to life. You were always welcome at Nina's house. Now she is brightening God's house.
She is survived by her love, husband Edward F. Chevalier; son Edward J. Chevalier, wife Adrennine, daughters Sarah, Allie, and son Eddie; son Robert G. Chevalier, wife Jennifer, sons Ashton and wife Kat and Blake; step brother Dalton L. Watson and step sister Athie Watson.
Graveside ceremonies will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetary, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 1:45 pm.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com
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Janese Rickert (Creech)
I knew she was having some health issues but I never in my mind expected her to leave this earth so soon.
What a good friend she was...we had such great times in high school. We lost touch for a number of years but we got reaquainted back in the 90's. She had not changed a bit, her soul was still the same, good and so funny. I will share this, she and I skipped school a lot. She taught me how to drive and we would head out to Austin so she could see and be with her then boyfriend before he became her husband, ED. I would drive at least 90-100 mph to get there and back before parents knew we were gone. Ahhh Nina....good time!!
I will miss her as I am sure many will.
Love you girl!!
Janese
Ian (Toby) French
My time of knowing Nina goes back to elementary and middle school, I used to ride my bike to her house to play her (really nice) guitar. She was always so fun and friendly. Fast forward many years to a few years ago, when I contacted her (through this Class page, thank you!) and during a visit to Feista and to see my brother Malcolm, my wife and I drove out to "the ranch" to see Nina and Ed. We made several such trips over the years, and our relationship deepened while walking down memory lane. She and Ed were always so welcoming and we always left those short visits feeing like we had even better friends. Some time before and at the Reunion, Nina described her health problems, but somehow I always thought there would be more time, Ed's call was a shock to be sure. Nina was loved and will be deeply missed, our trips to SA will never be quite the same. Last night i saw an incredibly bright star in the sky, and I knew it was Nina, our Bright Star!
Marie Kisner
Beautiful tribute from Ed. She was a great friend. Marie Kisner
Christine Park
I knew Nina off and on since junior high. She was always positive and friendly. She recently contacted me through our class website. I was so happy to hear from her, and I was looking forward to staying in touch. Ed's tribute to Nina was so poignant, and it revealed how much Nina was loved. She lived such a full and happy life. The way she lived life is truly an inspiration. I will always think of her joyous spirit when I look at the stars.
Janese Rickert (Creech)
There will be a special event happening in a few weeks in the skys...I will be thinking of you especially then..miss you...