Tributes

Cecilia J. Garza March 18, 1954 - May 15, 2026 From the very first day she was born, Cecilia was a wonderful surprise. She was an unexpected twin, the second of the two to be born. Her parents had only prepared for one child and had chosen the name Cynthia Cecilia. When two daughters arrived, they lovingly split the name between them. Cynthia for one and Cecilia for the other. That is how she came into the world, already part of a story rooted in love and surprise. Cecilia was a lifelong educator who worked tirelessly to support children and their families. She studied early childhood development, earning both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree. She taught in several preschools throughout Corpus Christi and San Antonio and also worked with the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Her work was not just a profession, but a calling. She believed deeply in the importance of early learning, literacy, and giving every child a strong and compassionate start. She was a proud and devoted mother who, in many ways, served as both mother and father to her son. She was a strong supporter of women’s rights, an advocate for reading and children’s literacy, a faithful Catholic, and someone who embraced a thoughtful and open understanding of death as a natural part of life. Alongside her son, she helped found Vegeria. Vegan Restaurant and later Viva Vegeria. She worked tirelessly in both spaces, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence to so many. She remained dedicated to the work and community they built together until her retirement in 2018. For many, she was not just part of the restaurant, but part of the experience itself. Cecilia battled stage 4 breast cancer for close to a decade. Through it all, she never complained. Instead, she continued to offer positivity, love, hugs, smiles, and a sense of adventure to those around her. Her strength was quiet but constant, and it touched everyone who knew her. She will always be remembered as a loving mother and friend, someone who found joy in libraries, museums, bookstores, food, coloring, photography, and travel. She was often noted for her fashion choices, carrying herself with a sense of style that reflected her personality, confidence, and joy for life. She had a deep appreciation for learning, nature, and beauty. She is survived by her son, Fred Anthony Garza, and son-in-law Stephen Guzman. She is survived by her siblings Fred Rodriguez Garza, Jose and Helga Garza, Philip Garza, James Garza, Patricia Garza, and her twin sister Cynthia Riojas. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Santana Garza, who lived with her for the past eight years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Rosalie Garza, and her brother Mario Garza. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Palm Heights Mortuary (3711 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX 78225). Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip of Jesus Catholic Church (142 E Lambert St, San Antonio, TX 78204) with a funeral procession to depart the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment to follow at Mission Burial Park South (1700 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214). Following the burial, the family would like to invite family and friends for food and fellowship at Victoria's Black Swan Inn (1006 Holbrook Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas are encouraged to continue her lifelong commitment to children, learning, death positivity, and care for others.