Odelia G. Cruz

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Odelia G. Cruz, who peacefully passed away on May 31, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 86.

Odelia was born on March 31, 1940, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Ramon Garcia and Fidela Hernandez Garcia. As the oldest of eight children, she embraced her role with love, strength, and devotion, caring deeply for her siblings and their families throughout her life.

Odelia was a woman whose greatest gift was her heart. She loved with all she had and found joy not in material things, but in the happiness and well-being of those around her. Her kind spirit, caring nature, and selfless love touched countless lives and will forever be remembered by all who knew her.

She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life—playing bingo, trying her luck on game machines, dancing, laughing, and spending time with those she loved most. Her smile was warm, her laughter contagious, and her presence a comfort to family and friends alike.

Odelia was a devoted mother to her three children: David Garcia, Jesse Garcia, and Gina (Steve) Cox. She was also a proud and loving grandmother to Stepfanie Hawthorne, Erica Garcia, Jesse (Amanda) Garcia, Jr., Bridgete Garcia, and Olivia Cox and her great grandchildren, Summer, Jorsiet, Loralai, Brielle, Winter, and Marceline. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Fidela Garcia; her beloved husband, George Cruz; her sisters, Ernestina Torres and Juanita Soliz; her brother, Servando Garcia; and her great granddaughter, Frankie Estrada.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as her loving siblings: Ramona (Manuel) Martinez, Ofelia Maldonado, Gilbert Garcia, and Ray Garcia, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Our family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped care for our mother throughout her later years. A special thank you to her son, Jesse Garcia, who was her full-time caregiver, steadfast supporter, and rock. We are also deeply grateful to our cousin, Gracie Garcia, whose understanding and guidance helped us navigate the care our mother needed. Special appreciation is extended to our Aunt Ofelia Maldonado, who remained a constant companion by Odelia’s side when she needed her most. Though they may have argued like sisters do, their bond was unbreakable, and they never left each other's side.

Odelia leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, generosity, compassion, and family devotion. While our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in knowing that her love lives on in each of us. She will be forever remembered, forever loved, and forever missed.

Viewing and Visitation at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415, on June 12, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Holy Rosary and Funeral Service will follow at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415, on June 12, 2026, at 12:30 pm.

Committal and Interment will take place on June 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm, with final resting place at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi.