Norma Vera Garza

Norma Vera Garza, born December 14, 1956 on the West Side of San Antonio, passed away surrounded by her loved ones in the early afternoon on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. To know Norma was to know joy, laughter, creativity, and love.

Norma’s love for sports first blossomed at Monterrey Park, where she played volleyball, badminton, basketball, softball, and even ping pong. What began as simple participation at her neighborhood park grew into a lifelong passion for community, and eventually a 32-year career with San Antonio Parks and Recreation. Through hard work and dedication, she worked her way up to become a Community Services Supervisor for Parks and Recreation. Along the way, she taught art classes for seniors, organized countless art programs, and helped create welcoming spaces where people could gather, learn, and grow. Many of the friendships she and her husband, Herman, made through Parks and Recreation have lasted for decades, a true testament to the impact she had on everyone around her.

Eight years ago, Norma was diagnosed with cancer, and from the beginning she faced it with incredible strength and courage. She endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, never once giving in to despair, and always reminding her family that she wasn’t ready to give up. Even just the week before her death, she said she was willing to undergo yet another round of treatment, a true reflection of her fighting spirit, faith and determination to cherish every moment she had left with her family. Though the illness affected her memory, sight, and hearing, it never dimmed her playful spirit. Norma still loved playing pranks and telling jokes, and she laughed just as hard when her family returned the favor—especially when they startled her by sneaking into her “blind zone.” Norma’s resilience inspired everyone around her and stands as one of the many legacies she leaves behind.

Norma’s creativity was endless, and she poured it into everything she did. She was always crafting—painting, molding ceramics, creating stained glass pieces, making intricate bows for her nieces, and assembling her famous wreaths, which became beloved raffle prizes to all her friends and family on Facebook. Some of her stained-glass panels she made still hang in her cherished childhood home, a lasting reminder of her artistry. She passed on her joy for creating art to her grandson, younger sisters, nieces, and nephews, many of whom credit Norma for sparking their own creativity and love of crafting.

Norma’s home was her canvas, and it was always decorated for the season. Every holiday came alive in her house, thanks to months of preparation and her eye for detail. Every season, her husband, Herman, would—lovingly but begrudgingly—make trips to the attic or garage to pull down boxes of decorations. Christmas was her masterpiece. She spent months preparing for Christmas markets, crafting ornaments, bows, wreaths, and gifts, turning her home into a wonderland. Walking into Norma’s house, especially around Christmas time, always felt like coming home.

Family was the heart of Norma’s world, and her deep love for God shone most brightly through her greatest joy—her grandson, Juanito, her beloved “Amor.” To Norma, Juanito was a reflection of God’s love, and she cherished every moment with him. She delighted in hearing him read and sing at Mass, doing her best to attend all his performances, and treasured every chance to spend time by his side. While she adored her children, Stephanie and Armando, Juanito was the light of her life—the only one she loved more than her kids and husband.

Norma’s devotion to family extended well beyond her home. She deeply cherished taking weekend trips to Rockport, Texas with her husband, kids, and grandson. She lovingly babysat her goddaughter Alina through years of “playing dolls,” and she even attended college orientation and helped move her goddaughter Divina into her freshman dorm. To many, Norma was like a second mother, deeply loved and forever treasured.

Norma was famous for her Thanksgiving ham, her unwavering love for her family, and the way she made even an impromptu gathering feel special. She was always willing to share her talents, her time, & her resources to help those around her. She was truly full of life—always cracking witty (or inappropriate) jokes, making her family laugh until they cried, and showing up with unwavering love and support.

Norma is preceded in death by her father Juan N. Vera and Bertha Vera; survived by her devoted husband, Juan Herman Garza; her children, Stephanie Mercado (Roberto Mercado) and Armando Sanchez; her adored grandson, Juanito Mercado; her sisters, Elsa Alderete, Lily Carrillo, Olga Mendoza, and Hilda Davis; her brother, Juan Santos Vera; and her many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Norma’s life was a beautiful canvas graced with family, faith, laughter, creativity, and love. To know her was to love her, and her legacy will continue to sparkle in every Christmas light, every church hymn, each story shared around the table, and every sound of laughter heard in her home.