Catherine Elizabeth Garay

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Elizabeth Guerrero, David Guerrero, Guadalupe A. Camero, and Juan Alaniz, mother Juanita A. Guerrero, sister Janie Alaniz, and nephew Corey Gonzales. She is survived by her husband, Carlos Garay, Jr., children Catherine Nicole Guerrero (Ethan Erevia), Jake Ryan Garay and Jason Tyler Garay, father Frank H. Guerrero, siblings Trisha A. Gil (Elias L. Gil, Jr.), Johnny J. Gonzales (Rose Gonzales), Joe Gonzales, Jr., Edward A. Gonzales, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

To attempt to describe Cathy in words is a difficult task, because the immensity of who she was and what she meant to so many people borders on the ineffable. She was a dedicated nurse, who touched the lives of all her patients and inspired her co-workers. She was a loving mother and wife, whose impact extended beyond the medical community and her household all the way to the friends of her children, many of whom viewed her not just as a friend, but also a second mother. However, she was much, much more.

There was a profound sense of loving-kindness which emanated from Cathy from the very first moment you met her. To say that she was “loved” does not accurately convey the immense grace and joy she carried with her every time she entered a room. Her warmth brought comfort to countless people, and her gentleness provided shelter to all who needed it whenever their paths would cross. Cathy was the embodiment of selfless love and courage, as many can attest to seeking her advice and assistance and finding themselves spending hours laughing and smiling with her afterwards. Her compassion and love were uplifting, empowering forces of transformation. By striving to be more like her, it is guaranteed that one will become a better person.

There was no one who loved having fun more than Cathy. She had a gift for squeezing every ounce of joy from every moment she shared with those she loved. She loved music, particularly Mariah Carey, Rick Springfield and Metallica, and was an avid supporter of Nicole and Jason’s friends’ bands, particularly U.N.I.T. and Future Shock, who were always excited to see her in attendance. She was deeply sensitive to the emotions of others, and would always do everything in her power to ensure that everyone in her presence was enjoying themselves and their time with her. The empathy she exuded was rare and beautiful. Her authenticity was a breath of fresh air; she was far from a social chameleon, and her ability to be true to herself while being adored and respected within multiple communities is testament to the genuine goodness which resided at her core and radiated everywhere. There was no pretense with Cathy, and she made everyone feel like they could be exactly who they are around her. Many times, after meeting someone only once or twice, she would mention them months later just to see how they were doing and then punctuate her inquiry with a comment about something she liked about them. That attention to the small, good things was always a welcome insight whenever someone needed their spirits lifted. She had a superpower when it came to finding light in the darkest of places, and guiding others towards it. She was a master of practical jokes, and carried an eternally youthful presence everywhere she went. Her laughter was infectious, and being the “victim” of one of her pranks was never hurtful, but always an honor and an expression of her adoration and affection, guaranteed to kickstart fits of laughter and reside in warm, ebullient memories.

The light she brought to so many lives has not been extinguished, but is carried on through all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her essence ignited flames in the hearts of everyone who knew her, and they will continue to carry on her legacy of love, kindness, and strength as they move forward in her memory. A personality as tremendous as hers could never be forgotten or minimized, and her laughter will echo through eternity. She lives on in the ways she touched our hearts and souls. The ways she transformed us and added to our lives are immortal pieces of her, something which can never be taken away or lost. Her passing could never diminish or weaken the bonds she shared with all who loved her, and her magic exists everywhere there is laughter, love and compassion. Cathy lives forever within us.

Thank you Cathy, for loving all of us and teaching us all so much. We will always love you, and your spirit will always be with us, every step of the way.

Visitation for the public will be held Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at Funeraria del Angel Trevino, 2525 Palo Alto Road, San Antonio, TX 78211, from 4:00 PM until 10:00 PM, with a prayer service being conducted at 7:00 PM.

Graveside service for family only will be held Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Mission Burial Park South.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that houseplants be given instead.