Maria "Mary" Eloisa Martinez Garza

A Texas native, Mary was born in the late Summer on August 19, 1938. She was the second of ten children to Mr. Jose Valles Martinez and Mrs. Severa Espinosa Martinez. She grew up in faith and would share her sentiments of God with her family throughout her life.

Mary had a servant’s heart and was a faithful church member. She volunteered in her church choir, children’s ministry, and women’s group at Primera Iglesia Bautista. She tirelessly gave her all, working in Austin restaurants, as a supervisor at hotels and warehouses, and as a patient caretaker. She was fortunate to look after her aging parents, endearing herself to many with her kindness and a delightful sense of humor.

Mary had eight children, and in 1983 she married Rudy (Roy) Garza. She graciously loved her big family. She’d lead us in grace before holiday meals and gathered everyone for song, dance, and laughter. She held the Bible dearly and shared scriptures with her family of all ages.

Mary’s grandchildren will always remember her as their GG. She spent time getting to know each child and fostered loving relationships through storytelling, laughter, singing, hugs, and love.

Mary loved the beach. She was also a Texas football fan. You’d often find her wearing a Longhorns or Cowboys shirt on game day. She had a knack for resourcefulness and enjoyed walks with family and friends. Mary had a big, generous heart and saw the best in everyone. She greeted others with an inviting smile and warm eyes. She would sing hymns and tunes to anyone who would listen, even if just the birds.

Mary was a collector of small treasures such as trinkets, pendants, rocks, and photos of loved ones. She loved and adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. A blessing it was to know a sweet soul, Mary M. Garza.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy Garza, her sons Oscar Guerra and Adam Guerra, step daughter Ruth Trevino, and her parents, Jose Valles Martinez and Severa Espinosa Martinez. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Pablo Espinosa Martinez, Crespin Espinosa Martinez, Juliana Espinosa Martinez, Rosalinda Martinez Damewood, Beatrice Espinosa Martinez, grandsons Joshua Jose Guerra, Joe Angel Guerra, and step grandson Leroy Garza Jr., and daughter-in-law Yolanda Guerra.

She is survived by her siblings, Lidia Ortiz, Hope Coffey, Ester Martinez, and Daniel Martinez, and her children, Rosie Garcia and husband (Joe), Julia Guerra, Anita Herlinda Guerra, Robert (Bobby) Guerra, Angel Guerra, and Melissa Guerra Galvan and husband (Alfred). She is also survived by numerous great-great-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loving family members.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A funeral service will occur Friday, November 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. A graveside service will occur Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Park Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Martinez Garza family.