Maria "Luisita" Luisa Garza

Maria Luisa Garza entered into glory on May 27, 2017, at her residence surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was truly a warrior to the end.

Luisita, as she was affectionately known to all, was born in July of 1923 in Phoenix, Arizona to Pablo and Rosario Valencia. When Luisita was 5 years old, sadly her Mother passed during childbirth of her younger sibling, Beatriz, leaving her and her brother Pablo to be raised by their Uncle in Sonora, Mexico. They lived there for the next 20 years.

In 1948, her life changed again after moving to Brownsville, TX, where she met and married the love of her life, Geronimo Garza. They had 4 daughters.
As a stay-at-home mom, Luisita always made sure everything and everyone was taken care of. She enjoyed preparing meals and loved to entertain with mariachis being present at many of her events. Having learned how to crochet early in life, she continued this hobby until just before the end of her long life. Luisita's love of crocheting resulted in family and many friends receiving her crafted treasures. Another love was gardening (having a green thumb that could make anything grow) and playing Loteria "Chalupa" with her dear friends, always telling a joke or two to keep the party alive.
In her later years, she worked at the Brownsville Independent School District retiring after 10 years.

Luisita will be remembered as a loving Mother, Grandmother and friend. She was referred to as "La Abuela" by many of her friends' children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Geronimo Garza; her brother, Pablo Valencia; and her sister Beatriz Alvarez.

Luisita is survived by her daughters: Rosario Garza (David Montgomery), Frances (Raul Alvarez), Beatriz (Bill Covalt+) and Alicia (Terry Parr). Other survivors include her grandchildren: Dina, Shaun, John Paul, Daniel, Anthony Steven and James Robert; 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She also has a host of friends who will miss her dearly. She will also be missed by her companion of 10+ years, her schnauzer Guero.

The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Richard Prezas and his staff and Vitas Hospice for their wonderful and loving care. And, most importantly, to her companion, Sandra Valadez.

Visitation and a Rosary Service were held on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at Porter Loring Funeral Home in San Antonio, Texas. The Funeral Mass was held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in San Antonio on Thursday, June 1st. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2017, at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.

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