Mama Linda, your sweet smile and loving nature will be missed by us all. Your integrity and beauty continues on everyday in your children. Rest peacefully dear Linda with your sweetheart, Joe. 

Linda Garza always greeted me with a smile and a hug.  She was warm, caring, and so giving to her family and others.  She was a great mother, you can see her kindness reflected through all her children.  So many of us that knew her will always have a warm place in our hearts for her and all the memories she gave us.  She truly shared her love with everyone she met. God bless you Linda and may you rest in peace.

Linda thank-you for being such a wonderful person and treating us like family.   DeRay said anytime he came by to visit, you greeted him with your wonderful smile and never let him leave your home without trying to feed him.   Pace enjoyed speaking with you in Spanish.  

Most of all, thank-you for raising such wonderful daughters!   Linda is a wonderful sister to me, aunt to my children, and wife to my brother, Steve.  

Thank-you for your great example of hard work, perseverance, and integrity you showed to our family.


Linda was a lovely woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She was thoughtful and kind and always had a smile on her face!

Mrs. Garza,
I will miss calling you Mom, as I always did. I would ask about you every time that I saw or talked to Evelyn, and I told her to say hello for me.
I will always remember how sweet you were to me, and always giving me something to eat at 
La Azteca!
Love,
Sheryl

To My Loving Mother, 

There's not enough room to say all the many things you did for our family and the way you found time for so many others with your kind words and warm smile. Mom never met a stranger.

Mom could do circles around us with all her energy, we thought of her as The Energizer Bunny. She was the first person up and the last one to go to sleep. No matter what dad or any of us ever needed Mom was always there.

Mom, I know you were getting tired. We love you but could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating and your hard working hands are at rest. God said, Well done my good and faithful one, Welcome Home! 
        
Yes mom you are that special Angel watching over us. We love and miss you dearly but know you will be in our hearts forever. 

All My Love,  

Edna

Mom,
This birthday letter from 10 years ago says it all...
I miss you and love you very much :(
Evelyn

Momma Garza was truly a special Friend and Mother She treated me as one of her own and I felt closer to her than my own mother. There were no secrets between us. What a caring, selfless,  cheerful personality. She had true Unconditional Love for those close to Her. Many great times were enjoyed with her and much laughter because she held nothing back and we all knew we were getting Momma G at her very best. A Great TV personality on Channel 7 in Detroit many people got to know her through Her Fabulous Cooking Talents, Jack McCarthy said many wonderful things about her on TV. SHE was a "1 in a million" person and truly missed by all. God Bless Her and Her Family and pray we can all meet with her in the earth made new. Love to All the Family, poppa Kal.

Ev,
Remembering The special couple -your Mom and Dad, that were very inspirational and mentors in my life.
Your mother always had a smile for me and she is one of the reasons why I smile everyday!
When I would call I would tell you to give your Mom a big kiss from me and you would always say that put a smile on her face.
I will miss her very much but, I know she is with your Dad and smiling!
Love you all.
Mike
PS. Tell Joe hi.


Another angel will be watching over "La Familia Garza" and all of their friends. Linda was an angel on earth and now she is an angel in heaven with her beloved husband Joe, Blanca and many others. I just watched the beautiful video and saw her full and happy life. She was surrounded by her family and so much love. Linda always seemed to be happy and spread her happiness to those around her. I am grateful that she touched my life and welcomed me into "La Familia" as her adopted daughter after her daughters adopted me as their "sister". She always enjoyed taking care of her loved ones and when the time came, her loved ones took care of her. She will be watching and smiling from above knowing that she will always be in our hearts. 

With love and sympathy, 

Randi Rosenberg and Gary Maurer

Linda Garza, what a wonderful person.  I met her on few occasions, the first being at my brother Steve's wedding. I remember how she and the entire Garza family were so open and charming with all of us Kalafs! She was warm and kind and I could tell her spirit lived inside her children. It made me happy to see my brother become part of the her family!

Many years later, my wife Supawadee and I had dinner with mama Garza, her daughter Linda, and Linda's husband (my brother) Steve. We ate at a favorite Mex-food restaurant of hers. This was the last time we visited. She was as kind and gentle as the day we met. She raised a wonderful and loving family. May you Rest In Peace, you will be missed!

Grandma...that's how we have always called her and will always remember her with love. What endeared us when we met her for the very first time were her warm smiles, her infectious laughter and her great sense of humor. She loved life, she loved her jumble cookies from Whole Foods and she loved people. We still remember when Grandma, Linda,Evelyn and Steve joined us one memorable evening at our home where we drank margaritas infused with beer and watched the Academy Awards. 
We also took her to watch Magic Mike 2 where she said she dozed off during the conversation pieces so I guess she was wide awake during the dance numbers 😋
All we can say is we want to be just like Grandma when we grow up❤️


Condolences to the family of Linda Garza, so glad we were there to see the love and light Linda shared with so many of her friends and family that surrounded her throughout her life.  So honored to be a part of her celebration of life.  Namaste Linda 🙏❤️

Dear Mom,

What a loving and beautiful person you are. We spent valuable time together throughout the years and in all that time, you never ceased to amaze me. Your charm and caring personality made a tremendous impact on all those who knew and loved you. You never once had anything bad to say about others, a trait I always admired. Your strong faith in God and belief in human kindness, made everyone around you feel welcomed and needed. 

Mom, your generosity, advice and strong personality, will continue to provide support for the family. We’ll all remember the good times we had and your love of life.  

"Te Amo"  Mom, I Love You Very Much and I’ll never forget you.

Your Loving Son,

Steve Kalaf


Dear Garza Family,

A few years ago, an idea came to me to ask women  what they had learned in  life through the four questions I asked  those turning 10, 20, 30—all the way up to 100. The unique personalities of each woman became evident and the wisdom of their age emerged. 

Linda Garza was an amazing representative for the age of 90 for what became the book called "You are the Perfect Age."  Linda revealed a life lived to the brim with passion, hard work, dedication to being her best every day, and exuding a dynamic attitude of positive expectations. It was clear that love twilled around her and touched anyone who came near her.

Her insights through over 9 decades of experience taught me that a life well lived is a life of faith, values and dedication to family. When Linda was asked what made her worry, her answer was “Not a thing.” Freedom from worry is perhaps the ultimate goal in life, and Linda lived a life designed to be worry-free. The phrase, “As we give, so shall we receive” fits her because she enjoyed an unbroken circle of giving and receiving LOVE all the days of her life. 

Her daughter Linda told me that she read Linda’s chapter of the book over and over to her. She’d listen with amazement and say, “WOW!”  and her daughter would say, “Yes Mom that’s you, that’s about you and your story!” 

As I re-read her story and view the lovely memories of her life, I join Linda in saying WOW to this amazing mother, grandmother, wife, entrepreneur and friend, whose legacy is her family— who will multiply the LOVE she generated through the example of her amazing life. 

With love,
Jan Whalen 

Mama Garza 
First of all I want to thank you for the best gift of my life, your daughter Blanca. So many precious memories over the years, it would take a book. My love for you and Papa Garza was always my driving force to be a better husband, father, person and son in law. As I'm writing this a tear is falling ! Now you are together again with Blanca and Papa Garza and I have another Angel in Heaven !

              Love you forever and always,,,,,,Michael
                                            

Dear Mom,

Thank you for being such a wonderful Mom, Matriarch of La Familia Garza, a true mentor, role model and my hero!  It has been a true honor and blessing, together with Evelyn and Edna, to be on this journey and allowing us to "Walk You Home." We know you have made it home in Heaven, to an everlasting life with our Heavenly Father, Dad, Blanca and your Torres family.  We have truly been blessed to have you as our Mom. You taught us so many valuable life lessons, most importantly Faith, Family, Love and to always be there for one another. You have been an amazing role model who embodies strength, courage, independence, belief in God, passion, hard work, dedication to faith and family, and living authentically.  You personified "being in the moment" and most importantly “being present” for that I am forever grateful.  

I will never forget all the fond memories of being together, whether in Michigan at La Azteca, or fun fiestas at the house with your great cooking; or in Arizona, getting a pedicure, going out to eat or relaxing at home! You have been my best friend, confidant, cheerleader and best support a daughter could ask for!  You continued to inspire me and teach me every day, right up to your last moment on earth and your final breath. You taught us how to live and you taught us how to die with dignity and respect. 

You have been the best Mom for all of us Blanca, Edna, Joey, Evelyn and me. Thank you for embracing Steve (my husband) like your own son. He loves you dearly, and we already miss you tremendously!! 

I will always remember our precious time together, especially holding your hand and singing, "You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey.  You'll never know dear how much I love you, please don't take my Sunshine away!" 

Some things you hold on to forever!

I Love You with all my heart.  Have I told you how much I love you today?  I love you more and more and more.  

Te Quiero Mucho Mi Amor!

Linda Chiquita - "Little Linda" Garza Kalaf 


  

After many years, it was my pleasure to be able to connect with the family of my friend, Blanca.  Our moms gave us the same values and principles then showed them by their example and in my opinion they did a great job.   It was seen that Linda was given back the same dignity and respect  that she gave to everyone she touched.  It sounds like she had the perfect life of family and friends.  Thank you for letting me be part of her life celebration it was an honor! 

My Dear Friend Evelyn and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family at the loss of your mother.  We have fond memories  of your mom giving the tamale making class at our home in L.P.  Her knowledge and perfectionism was greatly appreciated.  Much love and laughter was shared on that day.  Ms. Linda was truly a saint.  Her peaceful demeanor throughout her life shined through to all that had the opportunity to meet and know her.  Everyone could use that lesson in life.  So as you celebrate her life, please know that you are loved, thought of and prayed for today and always.  May you find comfort in knowing that she is in heaven  with your Father and our Lord and Savior. 
We love you all so much!
With our deepest sympathy Love and Prayers, 
Opal, Tammy and the Carbagal Family


Fue un place y honor averla conocido la estrañare fue una gran persona con mijo y mi 👪 por siempre
 vivira en mi 
❤ attm silverio 

Dearest Linda, My 💓 Heartfelt Thanks for your ever life learned Love that you Always demonstrated towards your Family and any and all that was in your presence. Your Always Unconditional Love and Beautiful Smile was so endearing. You passed that lesson on to every member of your family, that I feel Blessed to have been in mine as well.  I'm Absolutely Sure that we in Faith will be all together again, and as we walk , with guidelines that you followed, We are The Better for every moment with you.  A LOVING  and Beautiful Mentor to so many. 
My Everlasting Love Sweet Linda,
Nicie🙏💖💞

Grandma, 

You will be dearly missed by so many on this Earth. The love and care you have given to not only your family, but friends and even strangers, was so effortless. Anyone and everyone that had the opportunity to meet you were so very lucky. You were everything a Grandson could ask for in a Grandmother. You always had the time. You always wanted to share a laugh, a meal, a memory. Anywhere we were was always a cherished event. From everyone in the Kalvoda family, we all love you so very much and miss you terribly. Love, Corey...

Mrs. Garza was like a second mom to me.  I can still hear hear soft voice calling upstairs for Linda to get to school.  She was a beautiful lady inside and out.

I was  given a love for Mexican foods by her good cooking.    She always made me feel as if I were part of the family.  There are so many memories  of all the good times we shared.  Lots of fun at the Ethnic Festivals  on the Detroit River front.  I sure will miss her.  Hugs to Edna, Joey, Linda, and Evelyn and the rest of the family.  Heaven is gaining one special angel.  I love you all.   Love,  Marlene


To my second family the Garza’s, it was my privilege to take care one of the most important person in your lives and that is your Mom  ”Señora Herlinda”... I will surely miss her. My thoughts and prayers to the whole family.

It was an honor and a pleasure to know her and be apart of some amazing bonding moments centered  around her. She will always be one of my most trusted and loved guardian angels.

(I felt an angel near today, though one I could not see. I felt an angel oh so close, sent to comfort me)

Sabrina RN

It's so sad to say goodbye, but I'm so grateful for many wonderful memories. Thank you for always being so warm and welcoming towards me. I will always cherish the memories of visiting you when we lived in AZ. You were always laughing, joking, and zipping around the house. I can see where Evelyn got her energy, and where Corey got his stellar sense of humor :) You were a true matriarch. Thank you for taking such good care of Evelyn and Corey over the years, and for being such a source of strength for them. I will always enjoy hearing the many wonderful stories about you from Corey's childhood.  Thank you for being the best Abuelita. The kids are so lucky to have known such an amazing great-grandmother, and we will always carry on your memory. Love, Jenelle

My dear friend Linda...what a wonderful woman your was your Mom.

I have many fond memories in the Garza household on McClain Street...

 Your mom would always have ( my favorite)  Spanish rice on the stove, and home made tortillas when we came home from school.  If this was supposed to be dinner for the Garza family, I do apologize, because we ate until we were full...  there was never much left.  One particular day I remember her telling me to take a drink of her "special" tomato sauce.  Boy, I couldn't drink the milk fast enough to get the heat out of my mouth...she, and your dad , had a good laugh!  

My heart goes out to you and all your family.   The fond memories you all share of your mom are many.  Your tribute to her is beautiful.  

All my love,
Debbie Merta



Abuelita-

We love you and miss you! Thank you for giving us so many wonderful memories and always making us laugh and smile. You will always be our angel in heaven, and we will remember you forever!

Te quiero mucho,

Natalie, Cole, and Connor

7 yrs ago  I was traveling to Phoenix stopping in Detroit. Just as the plane was ready to take off a beautiful young lady came running on board and sat in the only seat left next to me. She put her head down and started to cry. I put my arm around her and the bond began. She had been waiting stand by to get to her Dads bedside in time to say goodbye. He was very ill. I had just lost my Mom and Dad. Evelyn and I prayed together cried together and laughed together sharing our life time stories. We had so much in common. My Dad was actually born on April 13th , her Moms birthday. Evelyn arrived to the hospital in time ..our prayers were answered and our friendship began. Evelyn stayed and passionately cared for her Mom. I was a snowbird so each winter we would shop ,have lunch and very "happy" hours. I got to meet Linda a few years later and knew immediately where my friend got her heart, smile and laughter.  It has truly been a blessing. The great bond of this family will truly get them through the sad lonely days ahead. Your  Mom's spirit will always be alive in  each of you. Sending my deepest sympathy to my "Airplane Buddy Evelyn" and her family.  Love Betty and Jim 

My Beloved Mom, 

What I remember most about our Mom was her strong work ethic. As children we all had a chance to work in the family business at La Azteca. If you could count to 10, you could pack tortillas. Whether you were five years old, 10 or 12, you got the job! There was our Matriarch, and there we were as young children watching Mom working hard; keeping track of production, the retail side of the store, putting together delivery orders and checking the deliveries. Sometimes we’d venture out together to Detroit to Kroger’s food stores, or restaurants, making tortilla deliveries. Mom was the glue that kept the family and the family business together!

The one thing I’ll never forget is the smell of Mom’s home-made flour tortillas…..mmmm waking up in the morning to that smell was incredible!  And Thanksgiving turkey dinners were the bomb!  Mom made the best stuffing, another aroma I will never forget.

That’s what Mom and Dad were all about, always ready to serve good food, and entertain! She learned that from her parents who always had an open door for friends and family. Mom’s favorite saying was “I’ll cook as long as I have good eaters!” The doors were always open at the Garza home, ready for another person to join the party, join the fiesta. Our parents were Mr. and Mrs. Hospitality!

Thank you, Mom, for being such a wonderful role model.

P.S. Don't forget to send me a sonny do list.      

With Much Love, 

Joey

I'm sorry to say goodbye to you Linda. Your sweet disposition and endless energy were an inspiration. You helped me with Megan when she was tiny. I'm so grateful. You will be missed by so many. You were what a mom and abuela should be. I only hope I can come close. Love, Kathy Wolf

Evelyn,  I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom.  My sincerest condolences to you and your family.  May God comfort you and provide strength to you and your family during this difficult time.  Sending hugs and prayers your way.... 💕🙏🏽💕🙏🏽

Kristine Galloway 

To Evelyn and family. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful Mother. I am sending my prayers for peace and comfort during this very difficult time. 
Mary Shutt Harris

Dear Evelyn,   I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing.  I lost my Mom a few years ago and know how painful it is.   From reading about your Mom , she has a strong faith in God, which I am sure she has passed on to you.   May God give you and your family peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Melissa Voutsos Hogle


Evelyn,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. My condolences to You and your family. May you feel some comfort and peace during your grief period. Cherish memories of Her Love forever!

David Kress

Evelyn I went to school with you and I just want to say I am sending prayers of love and strength and comfort to you and your family.... I am so sorry for your loss...

God bless you Mrs Garza and Evelyn my condolences god bless you too cherish the memories, Your LPHS friend.

Evelyn, So sorry for the loss of your mother. Please know that I’m praying for you 💕. Please call me for anything. 

Evelin,
No debes estar triste, tienes que estar alegre, porque Dios tiene un nuevo Angel en el cielo.
Descanse en paz Dona Linda.
Hector y Teresa Estrada

Evelyn,
Linda Garza was one of the nicest people I have ever known. We used to laugh and joke until your Dad would say "Ya hombre" and your Mom would try to hold it down, but we just kept on laughing!
I have been blessed knowing your family.
She is in the hands of God and with your Dad.
God Bless,
(Inspector) Ray Parker

Sending my deepest sympathies to Evelyn and her family. Keep your beautiful memories close to your heart. 

So sorry for your loss Evelyn and family. I had the pleasure of meeting your mother several years ago and I see where the family has gotten it's values,  Evelyn, you have been a very special friend to me since 1999 and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family)

I had the privilege to be in the presence of Mrs Garza many years ago, to taste her delicious food, to enjoy her infectious smile and to see the deep love that she had for her precious family.  She was kind and interested in meeting the needs of others.  This trait was passed down to her child Evelyn, who is family to me and whose sweet goodness I have experienced many times over the years.  It is no surprise that Evelyn was the primary care giver of her mother when the need arose and she no doubt provided first class care to her mother until the end of her earthly journey.  What a wonderful day it will be when they are reunited again in heaven, never to part again.  
My love and sympathy to the Garza family.

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers 

Evelyn, 

We are truly sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. Her generation was so amazing. Sending our deepest sympathies to you and your family, and pray God surrounds the Garza family with love and heartfelt memories to help ease your pain. 💕 

Rob and Mary Ellen Condon-Baraszu

This message is for Evelyn, and of course, the rest of her family. I am hoping you remember me, Evelyn. I remember you vividly. You were always so sweet and kind to everyone, including me. I am sure you received these wonderful gifts from your parents. I am sending you good energy in hopes your family starts the healing process. Losing a parent is so very difficult. I am glad you got the chance and time to care for your mom when she needed it the most.  God bless your family, Evelyn. 

In God’s care now...

Love,

Donna Monske

Evelyn, 
I am so sorry for your loss!  I’m not sure you will even remember me but I wanted you to know many are thinking of you and sending prayers.  This is a tough time that I am all to familiar with also.   Again I am sorry for your loss.  
May you be at peace knowing she is at peace with our Lord. 

Sincerely,
Mary (Steele) DeBoe

Evelyn, I am sorry for your loss. May God help you heal and bring you strength during this difficult time.

I feel like I know Linda and all of the Love she has given her family, as I know her through my Dear friend Evelyn and the beautiful person she is.    Children learn what they Live  and as I read Linda's favorite quote by Mother Theresa, I could see the example she so lovingly set to her family.    A true blessing from God to have lived a life so well and set an example for her children, grand children and great grand children.   
I believe there is no stronger way to teach than through ones actions, and your caring for your Mom during her times of struggle is a true testament to her grandchildren as well.   The Life of Love continues and I know she is so proud of the beautiful family that carries on.   May God wrap his arms around each of you during this sad time and lift you as your Mom would want as she  is free and with you always.    

Love Laurie Chinavare Smith and Jim 

I had the honor or meeting Mrs. Garza in 2010.  She was very gracious.  I was in Phoenix to celebrate my granddaughter Natalie's first birthday and she loaned me her Tamale Pan--which was very very special.   She raised a wonderful family and I know she was a very important influence in my son-in-law Corey's life.  She lives on in the hearts of many.  She will be missed.

Well, never met Herlinda personally but she was the mami of 2 of my great friends...they are not awesome people by accident so...to you for spending your life bringing up great people who have also brought up great people I salute you.   I know you are still watching over them but...rest in peace because you taught them well!  Hugs, Joey P.  

Mom, 
I am so honored to have you as my mother and to be able to serve as your primary caregiver for the last six years was priceless!
Those pearl moments of joy and laughter will live forever in my heart!
Your unconditional and unselfish love is an inspiration for all of us. You taught me how to be a mother, grandmother,   cook,  lover of sports and  friend. You always greeted everyone with a smile and never met a stranger!
You are and always will be the wind behind my wings!
Thank you
I love you very much.
Te quiero mucho.
Evelyn ❤

OBITUARY

Linda T. Garza

April 13, 1924 – April 11, 2019

Lakeshore Mortuary

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