On a slightly colder day in Austin, TX, at exactly 4:24 pm on January 19, 2018, Maria Luisa Garza Vasquez transitioned peacefully into the heavenly spirit world surrounded by the comforting warmth of her family. Born on March 3, 1945 in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, she was a one-of-kind genuine individual who lived life with an innate joy. Affectionately known by many people as Licha, or Doña Licha or Tia Licha, Mrs. Garza walked on Earth as a gentle and generous soul, sharing her unconditional love with everyone she met. Without any degrees or formal training, yet having worked in the educational system for the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District as an integral part of custodial services, Mrs. Garza guided many students to live positive lives and achieve their goals of learning. Being a caring maternal figure to children and adults alike, people were inspired to unofficially adopt her by referring to her as Mom, Madre, Welita or Abuelita.
Mrs. Garza leaves behind her four children, Luis A. Garza (Claudia), Maria G. "Lupita" Garza, Israel R. Garza Jr. (Sharon) and Rodney Garza (Dava); her seven grandchildren, Michael A. Garcia, Rebecca Garcia, Israel M. "Manny" Garza, Emily A. Garza, Megan A. Rodriguez, Marco A. Garza, Harawi Y. Garza Hernandez; and her two great-grandchildren, Maya Garcia and Makayla Garcia, all of which were the loves of her life.
She is survived by her father, Epifanio Vasquez Reyna; her sisters, Nohemi Vasquez and Olga Peña; and her brothers, Angel Vasquez and Joel Vasquez. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, whom she also loved dearly.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Israel R. Garza; her mother, Isidra Vasquez Vega; her brother, Noe Vasquez; and her mother and father-in-law, Narcisa Garza Salinas and Praxedis Garza Cortez.
Visitation 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress.
Funeral Service 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery 3650 S. IH 35 Austin, Texas 78704.
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