Maria Garza

Mary Garza, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Laredo, Webb County, Texas on April 8, 1933 to Maria Paula Ernestina Leyton Mendez and Vidal Rubio Mendez, both now deceased. She was married to Paul Garza, Jr., deceased. Also predeceased are her brothers Federico Mendez and Roberto Mendez. Mary is survived by her siblings Ernesto Mendez (Eusebia) and Maria del Carmen Mendez Munoz (Salvador); Mary's beloved children Mary Helen Garza Gallego (Paul), Paul M. Garza (Deborah), Debra Garza Frierson (Edward), Lucille Garza O'Barr (Michael), Lorraine Garza Garcia (Nemesio), Edward D. Garza (Annie), Christine D. Garza, Stephen J. Garza (Veronica), and James A. Garza (Miranda). Survivors also include her grandchildren Yvonne Gallego Perez, Lisa Gallego Zuniga, Paul M. Garza II, Stephanie Garza Burton, Rebecca Garza, John Garza, Olivia Frierson, James Frierson, Melanie Garcia, Katherine Garcia Mulkeen, Nathan Garcia, David Garza, Robert Garza, and Jennifer Garza, along with ten great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces in California, Delaware, and Texas. Mary attended Laredo schools and graduated from Martin High School in 1951, where she excelled as president of Pan American Student Forum, editor of La Pitaya school yearbook, majorette in the Pep Squad, R.O.T.C. Sponsor, and Student Council, serving long after graduation as Class Reunion organizer. Mary worked for many years at Laredo National Bank in the 60's until she became a full-time housewife to care for her family. She was later owner of The Personal Touch Gift Shop and founded the Laredo International Craft Guild. She served as president of Laredo A&M Mothers Club, president of Ladies LULAC, L'Avenir Social Club officer, member of Laredo Women's City Club, and became a certified Master Gardener. Visitation services will be provided by Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd on Friday, August 21, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Rosary and Eulogy at 7 p.m. Mass of Resurrection will be held at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 9 a.m. with Msgr. Alejandro Salazar officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Edward D. Garza II, Stephen J. Garza, James A. Garza, Paul M. Garza II, James Frierson, Nathan Garcia, and Robert Garza. Honorary pallbearers will be: Ernesto Mendez, Salvador Munoz, Paul M. Garza, Paul D. Gallego, Edward Frierson, Michael O'Barr, and Nemesio Garcia. The family wishes to thank Mary's caregiver, Bertha Reyes, for her devotion. You may extend your condolences online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041, (956)722.8850