Susana Garza Peña Lay

July 19, 1959 – August 15, 2025

Susana Garza Lay, 66, of Katy, Texas passed away on August 15, 2025. She was born on July 19, 1959 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Aquiles M. and Aurora Garza. The youngest of eight children, Susana was affectionately called Mariposa, meaning butterfly, by her parents. She grew up in a close and loving family alongside her siblings Betty G. Cantu and husband David, Elizabeth Garza and husband Ernesto, Aquiles G. Garza and wife Margarite, Alonzo Garza, Vicki Garza Castillo and husband Aureliano (Lalo), and Nancy G. Villarreal and husband Joe. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Alejandro (Alex) Garza.

As a child, Susana demonstrated her bright spirit and determination. She won the spelling bee at John F. Kennedy Elementary School and later graduated from James Pace High School in Brownsville, Texas. She cherished traveling with her family to Mexico, with Guanajuato being her favorite destination, as well as visiting France, Louisiana, and both Disneyland and Disney World.

Susana worked diligently throughout her life, serving as a customer service representative for both the phone company and the light company. She also worked as a county clerk for Harris County. Through her work she became known for her reliability, professionalism, and warm personality.

A devoted mother, Susana raised her two children, Christine Peña Scott and her husband Chris, and Matthew Lay and his wife Tabitha. She was especially proud of her role as grandmother to Lilyana S. Scott and Auriella C. Scott. She was lovingly known as Aunt Susie to her nieces, nephews, and their children, all of whom adored and cherished her.

Susana had a joyful spirit and a wide range of interests. She enjoyed playing bingo and card games, relaxing with a good book, or watching her favorite romantic comedies. She loved music, especially The Beatles, Celine Dion, and Harry Connick Jr. Traveling was one of her greatest joys, and in recent years she especially loved going on cruises with her sister and nephews.

Above all, Susana will be remembered as a strong and loving woman whose kindness and devotion touched everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.