My family has always been close. Over time and distance, we made sure to hold onto each other and maintain our strong bond. In the span of two months, we’ve lost three beloved family members to COVID-19. My husband, Sammy D. Wages Sr., was 68 when he died on Dec. 22, 2020; my mother, Dolores Short, was 84 when she died on Jan. 10, 2021; and my brother Donald Short, who was 57 when he died on Feb. 17, 2021.
Sammy D. Wages Sr. was a proud veteran and served in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring in 1993 as a sergeant first class. After retiring from the military Sam worked at the University of the Incarnate Word, where he had recently been promoted to director of procurement and business support services.
One of Sam’s and his team’s many duties since the beginning of the pandemic was to source, procure, and distribute PPE for students, faculty, administrators, and staff, for all UIW campuses. He took that responsibility very seriously and was dedicated to the safety of everyone at UIW.
Sam was a loving and devoted husband and family man. He loved sports and coaching his children throughout their childhood, as well as his grandson who also resides in San Antonio.
Dolores Short was a dedicated and affectionate mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt to her family. She, together with her military spouse, raised their family until his death in 1998. In Dolores’ early years she was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She later delighted in caring for all of her grandchildren while their parents worked.
In 2015, she cared for her son William until his death from colon cancer in 2016. In recent years Dolores was battling kidney and lung cancer and had been receiving cancer treatment. She lived each day without complaint and loved deeply. Dolores was devoted to her Catholic faith and especially revered Mother Mary.
Donald Short was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife enjoyed cheering on the Baylor football team from their home in Waco.
