Tributes

Angelita Hernandez De La Garza was born on September 21, 1932, in San Antonio, Texas. She passed away peacefully at home, held by her family, on February 24, 2026. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roland V. De La Garza; her parents, Maria and Thomas Hernandez; and her siblings Carmen Murray and her husband Paul, Tomas Hernandez Jr., Hector Hernandez, Mario Hernandez, and Jaime Hernandez. She is survived by her brother Rick Hernandez; her sisters-in-law Sue Hernandez, Dolores Hernandez, Luz Hernandez, and Mary Hernandez. She is also survived by her loving children Roland De La Garza Jr., Steve De La Garza, Sonja McCollough and her husband Bruce, and her dear son-in-love Art Gunn and his wife Susan. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren Ashley Chohlis and her husband Shaon, Melody Mason and her husband Brandon, and Tempie Mena and her husband Brian; and through her treasured great-grandchildren Callaghan, Berkley, and Canyon Chohlis; Olivia Torres and Preston Mason; and Joy, Zekerion, and Mars Mena. Angelita began her professional career as a bookkeeper in a small dress shop, often staying late into the evenings to carefully study the work left by the young woman before her so she could balance the books correctly. What she lacked in a high school diploma, she made up for with tenacity, intelligence, boldness, and an unwavering work ethic. Through determination and grit, she rose to become a branch manager and Executive Vice President of San Antonio Savings, a remarkable achievement for a Latina woman of her generation. She was determined that her children would grow up seeing the example of a smart, strong, working mother who did not allow limitations to define her future. She was firm but honest, a steady presence who believed in doing things the right way. In her later years, her humor shined brightly. She became wonderfully silly, quick with a joke, and delighted in making others laugh. Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. It shaped her marriage, motherhood, work ethic, resilience, and generosity. She lived her faith through endless prayers over her family, service to her community, and steadfast love. Angelita was, first and always, a mother. Her legacy lives on in every generation she prayed over, nurtured, and inspired. With her final breath, we witnessed a gentle spark of delight on her face. We believe she went from the arms of her family into the arms of Jesus and was reunited with her beloved husband, parents, siblings, and the many loved ones who went before her. Her life is too profound of a loss for words to express. We love her always, but as she often reminded us, she loves us more.

Tributes

Angelita Hernandez De La Garza

September 21, 1932 - February 24, 2026