Frances “Kika” Garza, age 80, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024. She was born in Robstown, Texas, on October 4, 1943, to parents Victorino Garza and Francisca T. Garza.
Frances attended Del Mar College and received training to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She went on to work for Corpus Christi Medical Center – Doctors Regional and Bay Area, where she later retired after 43 years of service. Frances’ greatest passion in life was caring for others, making her career as a nurse a perfect fit for her. No matter what shift she worked, she always gave her all to her patients. Frances dedicated over 20 years to working in the post-partum unit, and she enjoyed caring for new mothers and their newborn babies.
Frances was a faithful servant of God. She attended the same church for many years and never missed a Sunday Mass. She normally accompanied mass with her friend of 67 years, Ruben Sanchez, who the Garza family affectionately nicknamed “Grandpa.”
Frances enjoyed pressing her luck at bingo, and even had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas for an amazing bingo getaway to win the “big bucks no whammies” as she would always say. Every night at 8 PM sharp, Frances had a bedtime routine that could not be broken. This was a sacred time for Frances, where she would watch her Novellas, and it was a time that her family knew not to disturb!
The Garza family fondly reminisces on memories spending time together. They would always gather at Frances’ daughter Cris’ house for every holiday and occasion, where Cris would cook for an army. While preparing meals for her family, Frances could be found singing and dancing. In her later years, she enjoyed cooking her grandsons their favorite dishes, potato and egg tacos for breakfast and spaghetti for dinner. No matter what she cooked, everyone would always ask for seconds. Beloved memories like this will live on in the Garza’s family hearts forever.
Frances was most known for her loving nature; she was always helping others whether it was with money, food, or a place to stay. She could never say no to anyone in need. She would go above and beyond to all in need. Frances’ family will always remember her advice, though she would never follow her own advice. This provides further proof that Frances would put anyone’s needs above her own. Frances’ family will miss her advice and her quotes. She was known for her greeting whether in person or over the phone, “Hola Caserola!” She would often remind her beloved children and grandchildren how much she loved them with her quote, “Love you to the moon and back!” She was an amazing mother, phenomenal cook, and always being there for her children and grandchildren. She went over the rainbow and beyond for her entire family. She will be dearly missed.
Frances is reunited with her parents, Victorino and Francisca T. Garza; children, Frances Curiel, Johnny Curiel, and Cris Curiel; siblings, Petra Gutierrez, Pion Garza, Santana Garza, Miguel Garza, and Felipe Manuela Mendoza; and grandchildren, Angelita Curiel, and Elayna Curiel.
Frances leaves her legacy to her companion of 8 years, Ruben Sanchez; daughter, RoseMary “Twiggy” Curiel (Johnny Amaro); son, Juan Manuel Trevino; grandchildren, Candie Curiel, Robert Casas, Dalbert Vera, Mikaela Vega, Jonelle Amaro, Serena Amaro, Samantha Castro, George Castro, John Angel Castro, and Tyler Holbein; four great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Rosa Zamora, Paula Avila, Armando Garza, and Manuela Rodriguez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The Garza family would like to extend their gratitude to Pastor Axel and to the nurses who tirelessly cared for Frances during her time of need: Steve, Anna, Jesse, Dalia, and Rhett and her hospice nurse Rayleene. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Rudy and Maria Adame for their love, support, and prayers. Finally, the family wanted to express their thanks to Ruben Sanchez for his kindness and generosity for his donation to help the Garza family.
Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 9 PM on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, with a Holy Rosary to be recited that same evening at 7 PM. A Celebration of Life will occur at 10 AM on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. Rite of Committal and Entombment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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