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Estela Gonzales DeLaGarza, affectionately known as Stella to her family and friends, went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2025 at the age of 77. Stella was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 1, 1947 to Fernando M. Gonzales and Acension B. Aguilar Gonzales. She was a loving wife, Mom, Momo, Great-Momo, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend to all who were blessed to love and know her. She is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, Anacleto Sr. and Maria Josepha DeLaGarza; siblings, Ralph Gonzales, Molly Lopez and Gloria Martinez; and brother-in-laws, Anacleto DeLaGarza Jr. and Richard DeLaGarza Sr. Stella is survived by her loving husband of 55 years Juan Ramon DeLaGarza Sr, daughter Jacqueline Aldrich (Kenneth Jr.), sons, Juan DeLaGarza Jr. (Eloisa) and Jacob DeLaGarza Sr. (Corie); grandchildren, Austin Byrom Sr. (Lorissa), Kristen DeLaGarza, Kenneth Aldrich III (Abigail), Dylan DeLaGarza (Tawnie), Kaitlyn Viera (Louis), Kevin Aldrich (Raquel), Jacob DeLaGarza Jr, Mila DeLaGarza, Jon Gabriel DeLaGarza, and Mallory DeLaGarza; great-grandchildren, Jaylin Byrom, Austin Byrom Jr, Wyatt Byrom, Avery Aldrich, Asher Aldrich, and Grey DeLaGarza; siblings, Ross Gonzales and Susie Gonzales, and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends. Stella was a graduate of Southside High School class of 1967. She was a proud Cardinal and enjoyed giving back to her community by working in the Food Service Department and serving as Cafeteria Assistant Manager at both Southside MS and Southside HS. She led by example and was the epitome of unconditional love, patience, and kindness. She is best known for her wonderful smile, immense love, affection, and delicious food. Everyone looked forward to family gatherings knowing she was making her famous Spanish rice, although her husband would say her homemade tortillas were better. Stella spent many nights watching the Game Show Network and recordings of her favorite Novelas and Reality TV shows. She was often seen working on a wordsearch puzzle and enjoyed playing Gin Rummy with her husband and family in addition to enjoying a great poker game and dominos. She was a fierce competitor, loved to travel, go to the theater, play bunco, and most of all attend all sports events and school functions her grandchildren had. She was their number one supporter and cheerleader. She will always be remembered as our “go-to” when life got rough, our sanity in this crazy world, and our comfort when we needed clarity. She was always someone we could count on and instilled the importance of faith, loyalty, respectfulness, and dependability in all her children and grandchildren leaving a mark on us that will never fade. Her memory will forever live on through the lessons she taught us, the joy she brought, and the countless lives she touched. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take solace in knowing she is at peace, and her spirit will always remain with us. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 PM at Brookehill Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Interment to follow at San Jose Burial Park.

Tributes

Estela Gonzales DeLaGarza

September 1, 1947 - March 26, 2025