IN LOVING MEMORY

OF

YOLANDA ISABEL CONTRERAS

On December 11, 2025, at the age of 79, Yolanda Isabel Contreras, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on December 14, 1945, in San Antonio, Texas, Yolanda was raised on the city's south side and graduated from South San Antonio High School in 1963.

On October 12, 1963, Yolanda married the love of her life, John Contreras. Together, they built a loving home where family always came first, even as Yolanda gracefully balanced career, community involvement, and motherhood. Throughout her life, she faced and overcame significant health challenges, including surviving a major illness in high school and later becoming a remarkable 33-year liver transplant survivor. Her resilience was matched only by her warmth and humor. Yolanda's hearty, unapologetic laugh filled rooms, lifted spirits, and left unforgettable memories for all who knew her. She was an elementary school secretary for several years at Palo Alto Elementary School in the South San Antonio School District.

She is survived by her loving children: John Michael (Sandra) Contreras, Laura (Michael) Rodriguez, and Brian (Sonia) Contreras; her cherished grandchildren: Tristan (Nicole), Alexander, Armando (LeAnn), Daniel Z. (Brittany), Joseph (Autumn), Elisa, Ysela, and Thomas; and her adored great-grandchildren: Daniel L., Adonias, Myra, Evelyn, Mowgli, Mariana, and Jaece. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her devoted husband, John Contreras; her parents, Adolph and Otilia Ortiz; her brothers, Thomas and Alex Ortiz; and her beloved grandson, Jonathan Contreras.

Yolanda's legacy of love, resilience, and joy will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.