Delia Garza

"I didn't get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it." - Estee Lauder

A strong and assertive woman, Delia A. Garza passed away August 11, 2022, at the age of 89.

Delia was born January 7, 1933, to Alicia Arzauga and Lupe Nino. Growing up in San Diego, Texas, with her siblings Gilbert Colunga and Alicia Moses, Delia was a "tomboy," and enjoyed playing baseball with the neighborhood boys.

Delia was the widow of Robert M. Garza. They worked at the same restaurant. When Robert first saw Delia, he told his friend that he was going to marry her. They dated a while, and then sure enough, they got married. She loved her children Johnny, Lucio, Diana, Delia, Robert Jr., and Gilbert dearly. She taught them the importance of being self-sufficient - that you need to be able to support yourself, because you never know what life is going to bring your way. She said, "What are you going to do--- tackle the solution and move on." She also taught the value of money and family commitment. Her best moments included time spent with her family, and cherished the South Padre Island deep sea fishing trips with her son, son-in-law, and daughter. She enjoyed having all of her grandchildren for Christmas celebrations and preparations, which included gathering with her children and making tamales, peanut brittle, pan de polvo, and decorating the tree.

Delia was a collector for General Electric. After her husband passed, she became a volunteer at Memorial Hermann SW Hospital in Houston, where she worked as a volunteer for 25 years. As a volunteer worker she enjoyed being called "Mom" by the cardiovascular surgeons that her daughter worked for, and was especially proud of the award she received for over 25 years of volunteering. She took her volunteering job very seriously. Even with three bouts of cancer and chemotherapy, she never missed a day because she felt the patients and families needed her more.

A very powerful prayer warrior who attended Mass weekly, Delia raised all her children under the Catholic faith and made many pilgrimages to the Basilica San Juan Del Valle. In her free time, Delia enjoyed gardening with her dog, Sadie, by her side. She loved watching professional basketball, and at one point in her life, was able to give you the low-down on every pro basketball player. Of course, her favorite team was the Rockets. Her favorite basketball players were Clyde Drexler and Sam Cassell. She also loved her 1996 white Corvette and liked to listen to the oldies but goodies. Her favorite song was "Unchained Melody," but she also enjoyed pop and soul music. She loved the movie Dirty Dancing.

Delia loved to entertain, and will always be remembered as the perfect hostess, who went out of her way to ensure that all who gathered at her home had a great time from family, long-time friends, neighbors, and recent acquittances. Delia also loved gathering around with family and friends at happy hour, and enjoyed a Scotch and water or a Coke. She enjoyed a good steak, and will be fondly remembered for saying, "I don't like sweets. I'm a vegetarian, but you can make me a T-bone steak."

Delia leaves behind her son Lucio Guajardo, Jr.; her daughter and son-in-law Diana and Timothy D. Wegner; her daughter Delia Alvarez; her son Robert Garza, Jr.; her son and daughter-in-law Gilbert and Melba Garza; her grandchildren Eddie Joe Guajardo, Lisa Berry (David Berry), Christina Guajardo, Veronica Sandoval (Robert Sandoval), Lucio Guajardo, III (Maria Guajardo), Amelia Cantu (Willie Cantu), Julian Guajardo, Oscar Juarez (Priscilla Lopez- fiancé), Johnny Ray Alvarez, Robert Joe Alvarez, Crissy Alvarez, Stevie Lynn Otto (Jameson Otto), Austin Garza, Jordon Garza (Rebecca Darby- Fiancé), Ashton Garza, Brandon Garza (Tori Garza), and Caleigh Garza; her great grandchildren Randy Cerda (Haley Cerda), Edwin Lee (Trishia Lee), Christopher Lee, Anthony Guajardo, Aurelio Lopez, Lita Lopez, Aricela Sandoval, Alyssa Sandoval, Catalina Guajardo, Angelica Guajardo, Lucio Guajardo, IV, Christian Guajardo, Isabella Guajardo, Willie Cantu, Jr. (Marisela Cantu), Johnny Cantu, Angel Gabriel Juarez, Mystika Sandoval (Elijah Sandoval), Merayvien Alvarez, Malkavyen Alvarez, Daken Alvarez, Lucian Alvarez, Nevaeh Duenes, Ricky Perales, Aaliyah Perales, Ryan Perales, and Nolan Otto; her great-great grandchildren Sophia Lee, Cheyanne Lee, Kennedi Lee, Jaxson Lee, Joshua Lee, Christopher Lee, Jr., Bella Lee, Arecaly Lopez, Rogelio Lopez, Addy Lopez, Helena Garcia, Alaina Cantu, and Willie Cantu, III; her sibling Alicia Moses; and her dog family members Rex (German Shepherd), Sadie (Doberman Pinscher), Luger (Doberman Pinscher), Ranger (Rottweiler), Sniper (Doberman Pinscher), Major (Doberman Pinscher), Semper Fi (German Shepherd), Sable (German Shepard), and Bullet (German Shepard). She is reunited with her husband Robert Garza, her son Johnny Guajardo, her daughter-in-law Lynda Garza, and her brother Gilbert Colunga.

Delia's family would like to especially thank Laura, Delia's caregiver, who kept her entertained while providing the best care anyone could possibly imagine and she was at Delia's side during her passing. They also appreciate Reina, Delia's caregiver, who would come all the way from Houston to give them a break. She too provided tender loving care. Finally, they wish to thank AAdi Home Health & Hospice. The team was very professional and caring, and they provided exceptional service.

To honor Delia's life, her family has planned a visitation at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service - Yorktown Blvd - on Wednesday, August 17 from 5-8 PM, with a Rosary being said at 6:30. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 1 PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service at Rose Hill Memorial Park at 2:30. Delia requested her family and friends to celebrate her life with bright attire instead of dark gloomy colors.