Annette Wingard

MCALLEN - Annette Wingard, 50, entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after a battle with cancer. Annette was born to Alejandro (Alex) and Gloria Aguilar on July 21, 1974, in McAllen, Texas. A 1992 graduate of McAllen Memorial High School, Annette went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Education with a double major in English from the University of Texas-Pan American, now known as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; an Associates Degree in Nursing from South Texas College; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Arlington; and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Capella University. Annette had a distinguished career that included over ten years dedicated to nursing education at South Texas College, where she held many roles. Most recently, she served as the Chair of the RN-BSN Nursing Program. Annette married her loving husband, Michael Wingard, in 2003.

Annette loved to travel with friends and especially with her husband, Michael. On their first vacation, eight months after first meeting, Michael took Annette to Alaska joining his parents, Gary and Yvonne and his sister, Melissa where they rented a motor home and drove over 2000 miles in 15 days. That was Annette’s first time in an airplane or a motor home. Michael and Annette went on scuba diving trips to multiple Caribbean islands, several European vacations, and saw a lot of the USA. Annette had a particular fondness for vineyards and National Parks. Her birthday in July turned into the biggest beach party in Texas each summer at South Padre Island. Annette was patriotic and passionately proud to be an American.

Annette considered herself privileged to have wonderful work colleagues and personal friends. Her closest group of girl friends, referred to as The Ya-Yas, regularly got together, traveled, and attended social functions. Annette was kind, had a warm personality, and a sharp wit. The many adventures with The Ya-Yas created lifelong memories that will endure. Annette loved animals and had several pet dogs and cats that brought joy to her life. The animals experienced her kind heart and developed extremely close bonds to Annette. Annette had unbreakable faith and was an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen. Her Faith is an inspiration to others and especially evident during her courageous battle with cancer, where she conducted herself with bravery and grace.

Annette loved life. All those lucky enough to have known her will continue to be inspired by her dedication to family, friends, and the South Texas Community. A scholarship fund in memory of Annette has been established in collaboration with the South Texas College Foundation. At STC she was known as Dr. Annette Wingard, DNP, where she chaired the Nursing RN-BSN program and was a passionate advocate for education and the nursing profession. During her battle with terminal cancer, Annette was instrumental in establishing the scholarship criteria to further the education of future generations of nurses. The scholarship will be available to a student who has demonstrated excellence and commitment after completing his or her first semester in the RN-BSN program. The recipient will have the balance of the tuition, fees and books covered to complete the program.

Annette is survived by her beloved husband of 22 years, Michael Wingard, her mother Gloria Aguilar, her brother Alejandro (Alex) Aguilar II (Janie), Nieces Cassandra (Adrain) Fernandez, McAllen, Texas. Christina (Justin) Holtz, Dandridge, Tennessee. Nephew Alejandro (Alex) Aguilar III, McAllen, Texas. Four great nieces and three great nephews. Mother-in-law Yvonne Wingard, Colby, Kansas. Sister-in-law Melissa (Douglas, Jr.) Bentley, nephew Douglas Bentley III, niece Katherine Bentley, Palm Coast, Florida. Sister-in-law Melinda Wingard, Lakewood, Colorado. Brother-in-law Mark Wingard (Randy Parks) Kansas City, Missouri. Sister-in-law Monica Wingard (Joe Schlut), nephew Wyatt Schlut, and niece Kia Schlut, Niwot, Colorado. Annette is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Alejandro (Alex) Aguilar, father-in-law Gary Wingard, and nephew Gary Thomas Schlut.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Annette Wingard Memorial Scholarship Fund through the South Texas College Foundation.

Mailing Address:

Make checks payable to:

“STC Foundation - Dr. Annette Wingard, DNP Scholarship RN-BSN"

STC Foundation

3201 W. Pecan Blvd

McAllen, Texas 78501 3201

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Our Lady of Sorrows in McAllen. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Funeral service are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.