Guadalupe Valdez Garza (Lupe), 81, entered eternal rest peacefully at home on September 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born October 16, 1944, in Marion, Texas, the longtime San Marcos resident blessed everyone with her warm smile, voracious laughter, and an innate gift for making people feel loved.
In her youth, she wore the crown as Fiestas Patrias queen for La Sociedad de Cuauhtémoc. Lupe later shared her hard-working spirit at Texsun Restaurant, Montgomery Ward, and the Hays County Juvenile Detention Center cafeteria. Above all, she championed her role as an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother standing as a pillar of strength who gave unconditional love and filled her life with family gatherings, traveling, gardening, telenovelas, and music.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Celestino and Gracia Valdez; the father of her children, Benito Garza, Jr.; her brothers, Ernesto Valdez, Sr., Samuel Valdez, and Celestino Valdez, Jr.; and her sister, Herlinda V. Hernandez.
Lupe is survived by her children—Brenda Garza, Belinda Garza-Smock, Brian Garza, Brent (Joseph) Garza, and Cindy Kestler—carry her beautiful legacy forward. Lupe also leaves behind her siblings, Mary Cervantez, Adelina Facundo, and Johnny Valdez. Her vibrant spirit lives on through her grandchildren: Amaris Williams, Christian, Caiden, Cameron, and Chloe Garza-Smock; and Michael (Anissa) and Michelle Kestler; as well as her six great-grandchildren: Azaleah, Heavenly, Illiana, Lyla, Lincoln, and Aaron.
Services:
● Visitation & Rosary: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, 5:00–8:00 PM (Rosary 7:00 PM) at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, San Marcos.
● Burial Mass: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, 1:00 PM at St. John's; interment follows at Memory Lawn Memorial Park, Martindale.
● Celebration of Life: Immediately following at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall,Martindale.
Pallbearers: Johnny Valdez, Brian Garza, Michael Kestler, Patrick Facundo, Arnold Hernandez, Christian Garza-Smock, Caiden Garza-Smock. Honorary Pallbearers: Lincoln and Aaron Kestler and Cameron Garza-Smock.
Services are under the direction of Zoeller Funeral Home, New Braunfels, (830) 625-2349.
