Eloise Garza

July 26, 1937 – May 22, 2017

May 22, 2017 was the day our family lost our dear Eloise Garza, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister and aunt. Her 79-year journey through life began on July 26, 1937 as the fourth daughter of Aurelia Meza de Jimenez and Liborio Meza Smith. She married Manuel Garza, her husband of 54 years, and is survived by her five children, Linda and Cathy Torres, and Manuel, Eric and Andre Garza. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Valentina Padilla, Mathew Torres, Angel Benavidez, Nicole Garza, Josephine Garza, Alyssa Garza, Lucas Garza and four great grandchildren: Noah Perez, Marcello Perez, Angel Benavidez Jr., and Adrian Benavidez and so many nieces and nephews that it’s simply hard to count. One of nine children, Eloise was deeply loved by her sisters Agnes Hernandez, Mary Montoya, Judy Wong, Gloria Romero, Stella Avalos, Ruth Trujillo, and her brother Ricardo Meza.

Eloise’s career at UCSD Medical Center spanned 25 years working the reception desk in the Radiology Department of the hospital. She was a dedicated and trustworthy employee, interacting with thousands of patients and doctors for more than two decades.

Witty, unique and always down to earth, Eloise was an original, unafraid to be herself while spreading her special brand of humor with her family and friends. Her laugh was loud and infectious and was always accompanied by a huge grin. She was also known to be a woman who took pride in looking her best, changing her hair style, hair color and clothes many, MANY times to meet the fashion trends of the day. But on a more serious note, though her struggles were often challenging, she withstood the trials of life with love, stamina and a feisty spirit that gave her a rare brand of courage. She was proud of her children and grand-children, loyal to her sisters and brother and loving to her husband.

As is fitting, Eloise passed away in her own home in Spring Valley on a Monday morning at 9:57am in front of her family. And though she has gone to be with the lord, her spirit and the one of a kind memories she left us, will live on in a grateful family that loved and adored her.

Rest in peace, our sweet Eloise.