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Eliza I. Garza, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family on January 13, 2026. Eliza was born on December 6, 1931, in Waelder, Texas, to Pedro and Margarita Ibarra. She spent her childhood years in her hometown of Waelder, where those early days—rooted in togetherness and love—helped shape the strong and caring woman she would become. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Tomas Garza, beginning a partnership that would be the foundation of a beautiful family. In the late 1950s, they made San Antonio their home, where they raised their five children and built a life rooted in family, love, and lasting memories. A devoted housewife, mother, and grandmother, Eliza’s greatest joy was her family. Her home was always warm and welcoming—a place where loved ones gathered for holidays, special occasions, and everyday moments that became cherished memories. She was a strong woman with a generous heart, known for opening both her door and her arms to all who entered. Her home reflected that same love and care, filled with her beloved country décor that gave it the comforting, familiar feeling of her hometown. Many will lovingly remember gathering around to listen to her stories of the “good old days,” shared with joy and remarkable clarity. She had a gift for remembering every member of her family, always asking about them, and keeping them close in her heart. Stepping into her home meant stepping into a place of warmth, love, and belonging. Eliza found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed her daily walks at the park and her adventures riding the VIA bus up and down Zarzamora and Southcross. She loved being out and about—whether shopping at the Salvation Army, Dillard’s, or The Wesley Community yard sales, or making a quick stop at SAS for her favorite five-cent popcorn and a soda pop. She especially cherished her lunch dates at Luby’s, her favorite place to eat. At home, she enjoyed watching her novelas, and her daily viewing of Caso Cerrado kept her entertained as she challenged the judge during every episode. She loved staying in touch and could often be found on the phone catching up with family near and far—if you called, chances were the line was busy. Road trips along I-10 East to visit family were something she truly enjoyed, as spending time together and staying close meant so much to her. A woman of gentle faith, she held a deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, which guided her life with strength, humility, and grace. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tomas Garza; her daughter, Sylvia Garza-Monsiváis; her parents, Pedro and Margarita Ibarra; and her grandson, Tomas Christopher Garza. She was one of six siblings, all of whom preceded her in death. Eliza is survived by her children, Rudolfo Garza (Lupe), Tomas Garza, Margie Monsiváis (Abraham), and Robert Garza (Diana); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who will continue to carry her love and legacy forward. Eliza will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, and the way she made everyone feel at home. Her love lives on through the many generations she touched and the family traditions she so lovingly created. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Brookehill Funeral Home, 711 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1710 Clower, San Antonio, TX 78201. Interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237.

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Eliza Ibarra Garza

December 6, 1931 - January 13, 2026