Irene Garza

Irene Chapa Garza, 84, of Houston, TX passed away on August 3, 2023. Irene, affectionately known as either Nana, Ira or Aunt Irene by those who loved her, was born on August 1, 1939, to Jesse and Martha Chapa.

Irene married the love of her life, Margarito “Bill” Garza in 1962 and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on March 31, 2022. Together, she and Bill raised five children. She was a lifelong resident of Houston, having moved from the Old Sixth Ward Historic District in the early 70’s to the Historic East End where she remained until her passing.

Nana was a loving mother and devoted wife who loved to travel, bowl, sing and cook. However, most of all, she loved being surrounded by family. She was also known as a baby magnet because of her love for babies and children and her desire to care for them. If there was a baby within one hundred feet, rest assured, she would have that baby in her arms within minutes. Every child who grew up with nana in their life knows the unique song she would sing to each baby she held, “Sadeenk-kadeen, kadeenkadeen, kadeenkadeen, sadeenk-kadeen.” The family is certain this is an original Nana song as no one has ever heard any recording of it outside of our family. The song was as unique as Nana and was a failproof way to get a baby to stop crying and go to sleep.

Irene’s love of bowling allowed her to travel to places all across America, Canada and Europe, with France being her favorite place to visit. Just as she had a unique song and a unique personality, she also had a unique way of releasing her ball down the lane. In what was known as a back-up ball, it would appear as if she was making a foul gesture to the pins each time she released the ball causing her children to laugh each time. Irene never stopped loving the sport, even in her last year of life, she could be found at the bowling alley cheering on her sons. She even managed to throw a few balls with a bit of assistance, using her signature response, “Might as well, can’t dance!” when asked if she wanted to try.

Irene proudly claimed to be the biggest fan of Johnny Mathis, playfully referring to him as her “other” man. She attended many of his concerts and knew every single word of every single song. She possessed an angelic voice but reserved it to only be heard when cradling a baby, cooking or riding in a car. She and Bill shared a passion for the oldies and would often listen together to their favorite singers such as Patsy Cline, Joni James, Frank Sinatra, Eydie Gormé and Big Band music.

From the mid-seventies to the early nineties, Irene was actively involved in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Annual Fall Festival where she and Bill would run the bingo games every year. They also regularly hosted the Sunday morning church kitchen where they would draw crowds for their delicious tacos and menudo.

Irene was truly an angel on earth to all who knew her. She was generous and trusting to a fault and was always there for anyone who needed support. There are countless tales on how she would take individuals in and care for and support them in their time of need, no questions asked. Our friends and family were remarkably blessed to have known someone as genuine and kind as Irene. She lived her life in such a way that we were all witness to the true meaning of love and selflessness. Just as she made an incredible mark in our lives, she leaves an incredible void that we will try to fill with our precious memories.

Irene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Margarito “Bill” Garza. She is survived by her children, Jesse Allen Garza (Lisa Garza), Margaret Ann Garza (Irene Hernandez Garza), Stephen Adrian Garza (Jeanette Garza), Craig Anthony Garza (Terry Garza), and Ellie Casanova Velasquez (Edward Velasquez). She also leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Lupe Luna and brother Albert Chapa, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

A visitation for Irene will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 4136 BROADWAY ST, HOUSTON, TX 77087. A funeral service will occur Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 4136 BROADWAY ST, HOUSTON, TX 77087. A graveside will occur Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023.

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