2009 inductees Breihan, Festervan and Stewart show professionalism, grace and always a helping hand

Frances Breihan

Frances Breihan has been described by many as an ambassador of good will for the residents of San Marcos. She embodies a woman full of grace and vision and has spent her life in service to her city.

Friends attest that Frances is a “true Texas woman” whose world evolves around family, faith, friends and community.

A member of the San Marcos community for more than 55 years, Breihan has been involved with Summerfest since 1980 and was named honorary co-chair in 2008. She’s also a member of the San Marcos Performing Arts Association and produced Summer in the Park for nine years.

She’s also a charter member of the local Garden Club, on the organizing committee of the San Marcos Friends of the Cemetery, leader of the Commission for Women for three years and has served as a music advisor for the Junior Miss Pageant for more than 20 years.

At First United Methodist Church, Breihan is a leader in the youth fellowship and director of the hand bell choir for 35 years. She’s also a soloist at Chapel in the Hills in Wimberley. Breihan has been named Beta Sigma Phi “Woman of the Year,” as well as the “Liberty Belle” by the local Heritage Association.

In addition Frances found the time to serve as an audition judge for the then-Southwest Texas State Homecoming Talent Show, and for the last five years created a St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Café on the Square.

She continues to be engaged in patriotic and civic minded events to honor America's heroes from parades, presentations and celebrations.

— written by Rosina Valle



Nova Festervan

After more then 62 years living her life to help others and making San Marcos a better place to live, Nova Festervan is being honored with a place in the San Marcos Women’s Hall of Fame.

Her professionalism, determination and strong beliefs are blended with grace, poise and a Southern charm that represents all that is good about Texas women.

Nova’s quiet strength has been a guide to the organizations in which she has served. Her ready smile has kept the other members in good humor during those times of difficult decision making. She is an inspiration to others. Her fellow volunteers find her to be a woman of highest integrity and exemplary character.

Nova rose to banking leadership positions during her 46-year career when women were not readily given those opportunities. She retired in 1996 as an Executive Vice President with Victoria Bank & Trust, the former First National Bank of San Marcos. She spent 40 years with First National Bank and was the first women named to the Board of Directors.

Her accomplishments are many. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Price Seniors Center and has been a member of the Heritage Association for many years.

She has served as a docent through the years for the Heritage Association Tours of Distinction and has chaired various luncheons served at the Charles S. Cock House. Her roles with the Price Seniors Center are many and varied as she serves wherever needed.

Nova has been active in the business community, serving a three year board term on the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, 1994 -1996. She promoted civic progress and economic development as well as sought ways to increase the Chamber’s revenue programs. Her time on the Chamber board is an example of how her presence and leadership is about strengthening the organization and leaving it better for her having been involved.

She also served on the Hays County United Way Board of Directors and supported their fundraising efforts through the capital campaign. Nova served on the Main Street Advisory Board and was involved in their many community activities. Her church is a central part of her life; in 2005 she served as the Chairperson of the Stewardship Committee at the First Baptist Church of San Marcos.

Although retired for more than eight years, Nova didn’t hesitate to start a new venture. During 2004 she was instrumental in starting Greater San Marcos Christian Women’s Job Corp, now called Hands of Hope, a free school for underprivileged and undereducated women. These women are taught skills that will prepare them to get a job and support their families. Since the beginning she has been a Co-Site Coordinator. San Marcos is one of 60 sites in Texas and more than 166 sites in the nation.

Perhaps most importantly Nova has been an outstanding wife (married for 42 years until her husband’s death in 1992) and mother. She has passed along her business acumen, volunteerism and exemplary personal qualities to her daughter Lee.

— written by Lynn Ahrens



Ellie Stewart

Ellie Stewart epitomizes the competence, responsibility and dedication so important in a volunteer. She also brings joy, with her energy, enthusiasm and compassion.

Ellie was born in Mexico City and lived there until she came to the United States to attend college. Soon after graduation, she married Harry Stewart, a pilot in the US Air Force. While he pursued his 20-year military career, she raised their five children. In 1971, Harry retired and they moved to San Marcos, where Harry started a second career at Gary Job Corps and Ellie was employed at First National Bank (now Wells Fargo), where she worked for 18 years, rising to Vice President.

Even while working, she began volunteering. With the Heritage Association, she served as Secretary, Membership Chairman, Chairman of the Guild, Tour of Homes docent every year, Head Docent, Historian; and is now Chairman of the Oral History Project.

She was on three city of San Marcos Commissions — Historic Preservation, 1997 Bond Committee and Sesquicentennial.

At St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, she served on the Vestry three times and has been on countless committees, including ongoing Pastoral Care and Meals on Wheels.

She is a Charter member of the Bluebonnet Lions Club serving as Eyeglass Recycling Chairman for the past 9 years. She served on the Board of the American Cancer Society for 21 years. She was on the Board of Friends of the Library and Southside Community Center. She worked on the Courthouse Lights project and the “Welcome” sign on Hopkins.

Now in her golden years, she is the picture of health and energy which she attributes to keeping active. Fellow San Marcans are grateful that she has chosen to share this energy with them.

— written by Betsy Robertson