Kathy Lee Garza

Kathy Lee Garza, age 65, of Cypress, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. She was surrounded by her husband and children, held with love until the very end.

Kathy was born on November 10, 1959, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Joseph Ben Nichols and Darlene Griffith. She served honorably in the United States Air Force as an Integrated Avionics Component Specialist. After having children, she ran a home daycare in Cypress so she could be home with her kids while still contributing to the household. Once her children were older, she reentered the workforce and worked her way up to become a Payroll Manager. She was especially proud to earn her Certified Payroll Professional designation, later teaching certification prep courses at Lone Star College. Still, her proudest titles were wife, mom, and “Memaw.”

To know Kathy was to feel welcomed. She never met a stranger. Her warmth and kindness filled every room, and she had a gift for making people feel like they’d known her forever. She was the kind of woman who would strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them better than she found them.

Kathy had a “yes” mentality - she was always up for anything. Whether it was a spontaneous trip, a family game, or trying something new, she was the first to say, “Just try it.” Her adventurous spirit and fun-loving nature made her the life of any gathering.

She loved to travel and felt most alive near the water. She was always the first to jump in - lake, pool, or ocean, it didn’t matter. But what mattered most to her was family. Quality time was her love language, and she gave it freely and fully. Her happiest days were spent surrounded by her children and grandchildren - laughing, talking, and simply being together.

Kathy was a woman of deep faith and unshakable hope. Baptized in early adulthood, she leaned into her belief in God throughout her life. Even during her illness, she looked for ways to help others. She welcomed medical students to observe her care and often told her doctors, “I want you to learn on me, because one day you’ll be caring for my children and grandchildren.”

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jim Garza; her children: Ross and Monica Garza, Amber Axtell and Charlie, Abby and Scott Baird, and Joseph Bryan and Kristen Garza; and her grandchildren: Elijah, Elyssa, and Evan Garza; Hannah and Grace Baird; and Kaydence and Kinsley Garza.

Kathy’s absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but her legacy - her love, laughter, faith, and fierce devotion to her family - will continue to live on in all of us.

A committal service will be held at Houston National Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, July 8th at 11:15 a.m. sharp. The family asks that attendees please arrive early, as the ceremony will be prompt and brief.

A Celebration of Life will follow beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home. All who knew and loved Kathy are welcome. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Glioblastoma Foundation or the Brain Tumor Network, two organizations close to her heart.