Berta S. Garza

Berta S. Garza entered into eternal rest this past Saturday. She will now be joining her late husband and her eldest son. Berta was a very courageous and devoted person that maintained focus through her unwavering faith. She was a compassionate person with a great sense of humor, who enjoyed every single moment of life and all it had to offer. Berta was born in Laredo, Texas on October 8, 1925 to Carmen and Santiago Sandoval. As she grew up in Laredo, she became the person others admired. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Oscar Garza, whom she later married. As time passed, she then endured the challenges and became the family pillar, in which, she managed to sustain. As a truly affectionate mother, she will leave behind her son Gerardo H. Garza Sr. whom she raised to be a true gentleman, daughter -in-law Graciela M. Garza; and two grandchildren, Gabriella M. Garza and Gerardo H. Garza Jr. whom she loved very much. Berta was known for always providing unconditional support as she nurtured her family. She had a one of a kind spirit that will never be forgotten. Her strong passion to give to others was never-ending as she always brightened everybody’s day with her gracious smile. Heaven has gained an angel as we will forever remember all of our valued memories. Berta Garza attended local schools and graduated from Martin High School. She began working at the Webb County Tax Assessor’s Office. She was a very dedicated employee, who worked over 42 years until her retirement. Then kept busy and started substituting at Milton Elementary School for several years. Afterwards, she decided to dedicate time to helping others, by going to the Retama Nursing Home on a weekly basis. Together with her dear friend Juanita Reyna they led a Rosary with the patients, played games and provided attention to many patients weekly. Berta was a very social, outgoing person that felt great bliss attending dinner parties, luncheons, and events with the company of all her friends, family and mostly her sister-in-law, Zulema DeLlano, She had a beautiful personality and took pleasure in amusing all of her friends. She was a joyous person and very amiable, that wherever she was, she would acknowledge and greet people whether she knew them or not. Her favorite pastime was watching the Dallas & Houston Astro’s games, as many can say that she was one of their biggest fans. Berta was also a devoted Catholic at Blessed Sacrament in which she participated in the choir and Ladies Auxiliary. Recently, she became an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Her passion also included writing notes and mailing cards for all occasions, which was her simple way of being in touch with her loving family, friends and close members of organizations. Berta is preceded in death by her parents, Carmen and Santiago Sandoval; her late husband and eldest son, Oscar Garza and Oscar Jr.; a brother, Santiago Sandoval Jr. and her sister, Paula (Nieves) Fuentes; and her sisters-in-law, Berta (Jimmy) Flores, and Estela Olivares. Left to cherish her memories are her son Gerardo H. Garza Sr. and daughter-in-law, Graciela M. Garza; and her grandchildren, Gabriella and Gerardo H. Garza Jr.; her sisters, Socorro (Hector) Barrera, and Belia Sandoval, Among her family are nieces and nephews; Elsa and Cesar Gutierrez, Hector and Nelda Barrera, Della B. Gomez and Gabriel Rubio, David and Annie Barrera (Austin), Victor and Carmen Fuentes (Floresville), Melba Fuentes ( San Antonio), and Laura Ramirez (Floresville). Also her sisters-in-law and their families, Aurora (Oscarl) Cavazos, Zulema (Fernandol) DeLlano, Francisca (Ildefonsol) Cardenas, and Rebecca (Franciscol) Leon (Port Arthur). The Family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Victor Treviño, Dr. Edgar Treviño, Dr. J. Camero, Dr. Ivan Mederos, Dr. Llanes, Dr. G. Mahani, and Dr. Canales and LMC staff (3rd floor Snu Unit) for their kind attention given to our wonderful mother, as well, as the Specialty Hospital (2nd floor) staff for the compassionate care during her stay. Special thanks go to Belia, Elsa, Della and Grace who comforted my mother during their daily visits. Utmost gratitude to Bishop James Tamayo, Rev. Fr. Wojciech Przystasz, Rev. Msgr. Stanley A. Sliwiak, and Msgr James Harris for visiting. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We sincerely appreciate everything. A rosary will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Hillside Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on the same day from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, from Hillside Funeral Home to Blessed Sacrament Church. A mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.