Beatrice Garza

Beatrice “Bea” Garza went home to the Lord on December 5, 2012 in Dallas, TX surrounded by her loving family. Bea, a beloved sister and aunt was born in San Antonio, TX and lived in Dallas for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, David Z. Acosta and Angie Zumwalt and also her sister, Lydia Ruth Acosta. She is survived by her sisters, Anita Hunt (Jim, deceased), Fair Oaks Ranch, TX and Sylvia Holler (Tim), The Colony, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bea grew up in San Antonio and attended Catholic schools through the 8th grade which greatly shaped her faith and love of the Lord. She graduated from Harlandale High School and later from the University of New York with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She retired from Southwestern Bell in 1991 and was a member of the Telecom Pioneers. Bea worked as an Adjunct Lecturer at Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business. She also worked as a consultant and instructor for Communispond, Inc. in major markets throughout the world.

She served as Treasurer and President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Philip’s Catholic Church. Bea was instrumental in developing the Food Bank at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish. She was Vice President of the Dallas Council Board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and then served as the Board’s first female President. Bea was a Regional Formator for SVDPUSA-South Central Region. She was instrumental in getting the Spiritual Advisor Training started for the Council of Dallas and brought in keynote speakers for the Immigrant Business Training Program. She was an advocate of systemic change for families living in poverty and helped the Society with Disaster Relief Programs. Bea also belonged to two Bible study groups and inspired all those who knew her. She was always so humble and many never knew about her career and professional work experiences.

Bea was an intellectual, a teacher, a community organizer, professional trainer, a servant leader for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and a deeply spiritual person. Her Catholic faith was at the core of who she was as a person and she lived it daily. The love and kindness she gave to her family and friends will forever embrace them.

She is now serving the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Conference of Heaven.

A Vincentian Wake to celebrate the life of Bea Garza will be held at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, San Antonio, TX. Rosary on Friday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, December 15, 11:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Mission Park North Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Council of Dallas.