On May 28, 2021 in El Paso M. Evangelina Garza Guerra, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after having lived a full and rich 96 years of life. After the arrival of her first grandchildren, she affectionately became known as “Nana” to all her family and close family friends. She was fully devoted to her six children, eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She often commented that her family was what gave her life meaning and a reason to live another day. She loved a good laugh and thoroughly enjoyed the humorous banter of her children around the dinner table. She always enjoyed dressing well and singing at the top of her voice. Nana loved music. When asked who her favorite singer was, she would immediately respond, “Frankie” (Frank Sinatra). As we grew up from children to adulthood, we could always count on Lawrence Welk playing on Saturday evening television; and until her last days, she found joy in listening to her music. She also adored Holly, her cat that she rescued five years ago at Christmas.
Our mother will be greeted in heaven by those that loved her and passed before her. Nana was preceded in death by her husband Ruben M. Guerra. She was also predeceased by her parents Alonso B. Garza Vela and Santitos Saenz Garza, who were descendants of early pioneering families that settled South Texas in the early 1700’s. They were born in Granjeno, TX, a small community established in 1758. Also preceding her in death were three brothers and two sisters, Art Garza (Estelle), Frances Garza, Alfonso Garza, Cecilia Garza and Amadeo Garza (Victoria).
Nana is survived by her children Ruben E. Guerra (Susan), Anthony Guerra (Amy), George Guerra, Carlos Guerra, Patricia Guerra Licon (Walter) and Teresa Guerra Poulos (Victor). She is also survived by grandchildren, Michael Guerra (Dana), Gail Kathleen (Katie) Guerra Beaver (Jason), Stephanie Guerra DelCampo (Rob), Gregory Guerra, Kathryn Guerra, Zachary Guerra, Matthew Guerra, Anna Guerra, Alec Licon, Ethan Licon and Aaron Castaneda. She is further survived by great grandchildren Cole Beaver, Derek DelCampo, Ty Beaver, Edward Guerra, Benjamin DelCampo, Elizabeth Guerra and Ashley Beaver.
Surviving her are her sisters-in-law Elia Guerra Villareal and Dora Guerra Guerra, her dear nieces Arthelle Garza Bernard and Mary Garza Reyna, along with many other nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. We are very grateful for the lovely people that shared in Nana’s life and assisted in her care over the past four years, in particular Rosalba Valles, who spent the last three years dedicated to Nana’s care. Ms. Valles’ devotion to our mother has made her a cherished part of our lives and we are grateful for her dedication to caring for her until her last moments.
A rosary will be held June 24 at Martin Funeral Home West at 7 pm with the doors opening at 6 pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church at 10 am on Friday June 25 followed by a family interment service.
Those wishing to honor her memory may send flowers or make a contribution in her name to your favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Guerra family.
