Zena C Banaay Garry

Zena Garry passed away peacefully in her home on August 6th after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was born Zena Cayaban Banaay to Valentine and Zenaida Banaay in San Diego on August 6th, 1965 and grew up in Oxnard, California. Zena received her associates degree from California State University, Northridge. After college, she worked for several companies in the banking and insurance field including Unum, WellPoint and First Interstate Bank, where she met the love of her life, Tom Garry. In September 1997 Tom and Zena married in California and honeymooned in Europe. Over the years they traveled the world, visiting Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Greece, France, Spain, Italy and other countries. In 2007, their beautiful daughter Sophia Marie arrived and Zena’s wish to become a full-time mom was finally fulfilled.

She was an avid photographer who captured the best moments of gatherings of family and friends. She loved exercise and could usually be found running, walking or taking aqua classes at the local YMCA. She made friends everywhere she went; her smilewas contagious and her laugh was distinctive. She continued to smile while she courageously battled cancer for the second time. Her spirit and warmth will be an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her spouse, Thomas Garry, her five year old daughter, Sophia, her parents, Valentine and Zenaida Banaay, her three brothers Robert, James and Fred as well numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held Sunday, August 11th from 5-8pm at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Mortuary in Westlake Village, Rosary at 7pm.

A Celebration of Life will follow on Monday at 2pm in the same chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Zena’s name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at http://ww5.komen.org/Donate/Donate.html?ecid=vanityurl:117 or by calling 1.877.GO.KOMEN.