Marie Theresa (Perez) Garza

He said to her, ”Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” – Mark 5:35

Marie Theresa (Perez) Garza (79) went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 15, 2024. Marie was born on October 16, 1944 to Procopio and Maria Perez of La Vernia, TX. Marie was one of 7 children. She attended La Vernia ISD where she was very involved in school activities. Marie was in the band, she played softball, basketball, was a cheerleader (head cheerleader her Senior year) and was also FFA Sweetheart. After graduation Marie went to work at USAA in San Antonio.

One day at an afternoon dance (tardeada) Marie met Victor Garza, Jr. a handsome young man in his military uniform. She was completely smitten. Marie and Victor Garza, Jr. were married on September 5, 1964 and moved to Victor’s hometown of Marion, TX. Marion’s close proximity to La Vernia insured that Marie already knew and had friends in her new hometown. Marie was involved in her adopted home where she served as a Marion ISD School Board member, Green Valley SUD board member, she volunteered as a poll worker and volunteered with the annual Marion Fire Department Sausage Supper. One of Marie’s greatest pleasures was being a member of the Marion Six Shooters Bunco Club. This tight net group of women met (and still meet) monthly to play bunco and enjoy each other’s company. She forged lifelong friendships with these ladies. These friends continued to remember and include Marie even as her illness progressed.

Marie was a big asset to Victor with his arena, rodeo production and stock contracting company – Vic’s Rodeo Company. Marie kept books, time kept, ironed shirts, hauled cattle, and worked the concession stand. She did anything that was needed to keep things running smoothly. Marie really enjoyed traveling with the rodeo company. She met many life-long friends who began as contestants, committee members, contract personnel. She had a way of being kind and fair with all she met. Of course – as her children will confirm – her favorite job was cattle wrangler. (Insert sarcastic tone.) She loved getting the midnight calls that a darn bull had jumped the fence and was out on the road. She’d throw her 4 children in the old station wagon and barrel out to The Lease where she would expertly NASCAR maneuver her car – barely making hamburger – to entice the bovine into jumping back where he belonged.

Marie and Victor had four children. Marie’s children were her shining crown. Rebecca Garza; Sabina “Mellie” Pish (Danny); Victor “Buster” Garza, III (Erica); and Joaquin Garza (Tara). Marie threw herself into her children’s lives. She reveled in their school and sport activities. Marie’s voice was well recognized at the old Marion High School gymnasium and in the bleachers of the football stadium. While she was little her voice was mighty. As her children grew Marie took a job for Marion ISD. She worked with the ESL program where she would utilize her gift of speaking Spanish to assist children. Following that Marie went to work for New Braunfels ISD at Carl Schurz Elementary. Marie’s passion was helping the youth. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belong to such as these.” 

While Marie’s children were the crown on her head her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchild were the sparkling jewels in that crown. Marie was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Momo or Grammy was what she was affectionately called by her grands. Everything in her home ceased to exist when Momo’s grands came to visit. Every toy, craft supply, costume, book and Disney movie was pulled out for their enjoyment. They drew, they colored, they read books, played cards, played the piano and played sports outside. Momo did anything to teach and enrich her grands lives. The grands knew nothing but unconditional love in her presence. Momo’s grandchildren fondly remember Momo’s ability to feed 3 grandchildren and herself one pint of ice cream without complaints……there were raised eyebrows but no complaints.

In 2014 Marie began suffering from vision and memory problems. She was diagnosed with dementia which progressed until her death. The Garza Family was blessed to find the Gonzales sisters, Odie and Gloria, who were Marie’s round the clock caregivers. They offered Marie a life away from the prison of a nursing home. Marie got to travel to see her family, go to Walmart/HEB to explore and take her favorite trips for ice cream. Marie was treated like a queen. Words cannot express our gratitude for all Odie and Gloria did for our mother. Hope Hospice of New Braunfels was there for Marie during the last few months of her life and we would like to acknowledge the exceptional care they provided.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, P.G. and Maria Perez; siblings, Fito Perez, Mary Strey and Romanita Jachade.

The family would like to express our appreciation for all the love and support we have felt during our time of sorrow. We find comfort in the 79 years of memories and knowing that she is finally healed and in the presence of her Lord and Savior. 

Visitation will be Friday, September 20, 2024 from 6 pm to 9 pm at Goetz Funeral Home in Seguin, TX. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marion, TX. Immediately following the service there will be a short graveside service at the Victor Garza Memorial Park in Zuehl, TX. Reception to follow at Bexar Social Hall, Zuehl, TX.

“… the only scars in Heaven are on the hands that hold you now….” – Scars in Heaven, Casting Crowns.