Tributes

Abigail Cecilia Mendoza Garza, 95, went to be with the Lord peacefully in her home and surrounded by family, on Monday, July 8, 2024. She was born on November 22, 1928, five minutes after her twin sister, becoming the seventh of the nine children born to Luciano and Viviana Mendoza. Unfortunately, her twin died early in 1929. Abby attended San Antonio's Jefferson High School and following graduation, began her career as a secretary starting with La Trinidad United Methodist Church, her home church. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Arthur R. Garza who was beginning his career in the U.S. Air Force. He whisked her away, first to California, then Germany (where 2 daughters were born) and Arizona (birthplace of her son) before returning to San Antonio in 1970. The daughter of a tailor, she had a passion for sewing - clothes for family, dolls, pillows, etc. A lifelong member of La Trinidad, she contributed her skills to their Sewing for Premies program, making numerous quilts for babies. She also participated in an Arts and Crafts women's group, led a Girl Scout Troop in Arizona and supported Vacation Bible School at Universal City United Methodist Church. She was a true housewife of the 60's, introducing her family to meatloaf, spaghetti, pork chops and countless Swanson TV dinners! When asked about cooking Mexican food, she noted she grew up in a home where the younger children didn’t have the opportunity to learn to cook! Very sad for Arthur! In 2012, at the age of 84, Abby was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. Always one to eat healthy and exercise often and with a positive outlook on life and strong Christian faith, she successfully beat this disease following surgery and chemotherapy! Thanks be to God and BAMC surgical and hospital staff for this successful outcome. Abby and Art were always the life of the party, sharing a love of dancing and travel and fortunate to enjoy several cruises. Abby sadly lost her perfect partner in 2021, but she continued to dance every time the music moved her spirit! She was an important part of her grandchildren's lives filling them with unconditional love and she was blessed to live to see them have children of their own. We also were blessed to have her in our lives, enjoy her singing and pianoplaying and laugh about her ‘love’ for housework (not really - it always put her in a bad mood!). A woman of strong Christian faith, we know she is now with Arthur in God's arms, dancing with him hand-in-hand and cheek to cheek. Abby is survived by her daughters, Deborah Shanley and Trisha Kauffman (Darrel); son, Gregory Garza; grandchildren Ryan Shanley (Pebbles) and Nina Rhoton (Andrew); 3 great-grandchildren; sister Naomi Hodge and brother Ephraim Mendoza. Visitation will take place on July 24, 2024 from 5-6pm, followed by a prayer service from 6-7pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX. Funeral service to be held on July 25, 2024 at 9:30am at La Trinidad United Methodist Church, 300 San Fernando St., San Antonio, TX. Interment will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX.

Tributes

Abigail Cecilia Garza

November 22, 1928 - July 8, 2024