Rowena Cain (Tena) Gorman
July 2021
Rowena Cain (Tena) Gorman passed away peacefully at her home this week in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 90.
She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on January 4, 1931, the daughter of William Morgan Cain and Geraldine Ione Cain. Growing up, Tena was inspired by her father, Bill Cain, a self-made man who founded Cain's Coffee Company. Tena became very active in the Oklahoma City community early on in her life, reflecting her dad's dedication to service and philanthropy. Tena attended the University of Oklahoma where she joined the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. At college she also met her future husband, James Ward (Jim) Gorman, Jr. In 1952, Tena graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. degree in English, and married her sweetheart Jim that same year.
During the Korean War, Jim entered the service as an officer in the U.S. Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base, and the couple were stationed with the Strategic Air Command at the Topeka Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas. While holding down the "Home Front" during Jim's deployment to Korea, Tena welcomed their first child, James Ward (Jimmy) Gorman III. When Jim's tour of duty in the Air Force was completed, Jim and Tena settled in San Antonio, Texas where Jim went to work as a geologist in the family business, the Gorman Drilling Company. During those years they were blessed with two more children, David Alan Gorman and Amy Ione Gorman Ellis. Tena quickly settled into managing the household, raising the kids and supporting her husband's career. At the same time, her father's influence led Tena to begin serving in countless civic organizations and charities contributing both her time and treasure.
As a couple, Tena and Jim represented an exemplary marriage relationship, one for the ages. If you could look up "Tena and Jim" in the dictionary, they would be the definition of the term, "Soul Mates". Together, they made a formidable team in every pursuit they undertook, bringing their positive energy, infectious optimism, dedication, service and love to everything they did. Those who were fortunate enough to know them couldn't help but be lifted up and feel special just being in their presence. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary before Jim's passing on October 3, 2020.
Tena was more than a consummate partner in marriage. She was a dedicated mother to her family, a devoted and caring friend, an accomplished businesswoman, and a philanthropist deeply involved in myriad civic and community organizations. She was a world class sportswoman, excelling at tennis, water skiing and snow skiing. Tena loved fishing. She was an avid hunter and one hell of a good shot. A tigress when backing up her man or protecting her family, she was also a sharp competitor in a game of backgammon or bridge. With a humble and naturally gentle nature, Tena was the epitome of style and elegance. She had an incredible knack for interior design and decorating, rivaling any trained professional, which she shared freely with business associates, friends and family. Tena was always recognized for her easy-going manner, her genuine and unassuming personality combined with her signature social grace. Those who met her were instantly captivated by her personal attention, warmth and charm. She was in short, a truly classy lady.
Tena was also an accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, deeply involved in countless businesses, civic and community organizations, serving as a board member, director, president or fundraiser, because who could say "no" to Tena? Her deepest interests were in supporting medicine, research, education and the arts. Her dedication spanned organizations like the Bank of San Antonio, Santa Rosa Children's Hospital, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, The University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio Medical Foundation, KLRN and the Cancer Therapy and Research Center to name but a few. In 2006, Tena was honored with a Doctorate of Humane Letters degree by the University of the Incarnate Word. She was active in social organizations including The Argyle, Club Giraud and the San Antonio Country Club. Tena was strong in her faith and through her relationships in the religious community, she supported a number of local churches and synagogues. She enjoyed wonderful friendships with many of the preachers, fathers, priests, rabbis and sisters across the City of San Antonio.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. (Jim) Gorman, Jr., her son David Alan Gorman, her brothers Jon Alan Cain and William M. Cain, Jr., her sister June Kathryn Cain Durland and her parents, William M. Cain and Geraldine Ione Pledger Cain. She is survived by her brothers, Richard O'Dell Cain and Robert Pledger Cain, her son, James W. (Jimmy) Gorman III and his wife, Randee J. Gorman; her daughter and son-in-law, Amy Gorman Ellis and David L. Ellis, and her six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Although Tena was totally dedicated to supporting her husband Jim's career and raising their family, she made the time to make life better for everyone in San Antonio and the Bexar County area as a generous philanthropist, volunteer, and community leader. While she has recently accepted a higher calling in heaven, she lives on in San Antonio through the inspiration and love she leaves behind for us all.
Services will be private, with the interment to follow at Mission Burial Park North.