Irene Cantu Garza

Irene Cantu Garza, age 70, passed away on August 8, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born in San Antonio on April 7, 1954 to her parents, Alfredo Cantu and Gloria Arias Cantu. Irene married her high school sweetheart, Jose L. Garza, Sr., and shared almost 53 years together. Irene was a devoted and responsible wife. She was a devout Catholic and she enjoyed the church choir and was always ready to listen and give advice.

Irene was a proud mother of two wonderful boys to whom she showed love and respect and treated her boys like friends at times. Her oldest, Joe L. Garza, Jr., was the sparkle in her eye. She and Joe had a special bond like no other mother and son. They would have long talks, enjoyed estate sales, yard work and having a delicious dinner and dancing in the kitchen. Her youngest, Roland C. Garza was her baby, even though he was a grown man, she always knew and addressed to him as her baby, “Roli.” She enjoyed it when “Roli” would invite them over and he would barbecue for her and her husband.

She had a special bond with her mother Gloria Cantu, who she visited daily and made sure she was fine. Irene also had a special bond with her four brothers. It was a relationship that was not common, and her brothers did everything in their control and power for their sister. Alfred Jr. was always in contact with his sister Irene, and she loved it when he visited her on Sundays and brought her scriptures or a candle from his church. She always looked up to her brother Albert, for being respectful, genuine, and kind-hearted at all times. She loved the barbecue he cooked and brought over for lunch and dinner so she would not have to cook. Orlando, “My handsome brother,” she would say, shared a unique bond. They would talk almost daily for maybe an hour or two at times. They would say, “Remember when…” then laugh and laugh at the shared memories. She always was so happy to say, “My brother, Orlando called me. He’s so thoughtful.” Mario, the baby brother, she could rely on for help with her truck. He would help check on the need for an oil change and kept an eye out for her by checking the tires for air. Some evenings, she would have watermelon or sweetbread at the dinner table with Mario and their mother. She would tell him, “If you need something in the middle of night for mom, please call me. I’m just down the street.”

She retired after 32 years, with Dr. Richard Veglia, DPM in the Harlande Community, where she was well-known. Her patients loved her. Over the years, they would treat her and praise her like a daughter.Patients at times would wait until Irene could tend to them and would even wait sometimes two to three weeks until she was able to see them. She always came home with a little trinket, or gifts from her patients and a story to share about what they told her and what they did to make her laugh. They called her Mija, or the lady with the pretty smile.

Irene had several hobbies. She liked to cook and made delicious chicken and rice, fideo, and corn bread like no one could. Let’s not forget her famous menudo. She always had a special interest in antique furniture that is why she would like to attend estate sales because “You never know what you’re going to find,” she would say. She had a passion for jewelry and her Chanel perfume. Her favorite colors were red and hot pink, and her favorite flowers were roses or gardenias. She loved Motown singer Diana Ross.

Irene was the person that always had a smile; she would laugh and greet you with a smile. She treated people with respect and dignity and if she heard that you were sick, she would always reach out to you, or cook you a meal and take it over to you. She was always worried about everyone, and always put herself last. That was just her nature. She loved people and loved the world. When Irene was told I love you, she replied, “I love you more.” It was the smallest or the biggest things that made her happy. To her, everything was equal, there is no judgment or color. She would always say, “We are all God’s children.”

She was also very well known as Mrs. Garza or “Mama Garza” in the Burbank High School community. Her boys were active in school, and she was always involved. She was loved and appreciated by many and would say, “Everyone is like my children that I saw grow through the years.”

Irene found beauty and loved all four seasons of the year. Winter was a time for her to cook around the clock. She was always making all kinds of dishes, soups, and baking. In the Spring, she would say the best cool mornings are in April. That’s when you see all the butterflies and the flowers begin to bloom. During the Summer, she would enjoy making cold pastas, watermelon and cantaloupe for dessert. Most importantly, also wearing her beautiful vibrant colors she loved; always looking graciously. She would say Fall was the time when the pumpkins are ready to come out and decorate for Halloween and she loved the color change in the autumn leaves of all the trees.

Irene is preceded by her father, Alfredo Cantu, Sr.; her brother, Richard Cantu; her father and mother-in-law, Jose and Aurelia Garza; sister-in-law, Cindy Cantu; her brother-in-law, George Garza; and her niece, Norma Olvera.

She is survived by her mother, Gloria Arias Cantu; her beloved husband, Jose L. Garza, Sr.; their sons, Joe L. Garza, Jr. and Roland Garza and his wife, Sandra Gonzalez Garza; her grandson, Luis Garza; her brothers: Albert Cantu, Alfred Cantu, Jr., Orlando Cantu and his wife, Elvira, and Mario Cantu; and her sisters-in-law, Gloria Ramos and Martha Ruiz and her husband, Ted. She is also survived by her nephews and nieces who always addressed her as their funny, lovable, and favorite aunt and her special best friend, Diane Galindo who was almost like a sister. They would have early morning chats over coffee and always enjoyed a good laugh for many years. Irene had compassion for everyone.

To that special angel that was sent to her, Maria de Rosario Zertuche, thank you for being an amazing caretaker for Irene. You will always be someone special in our family. We love you!

She will be greatly missed, and a big void will be in the center of our attention. We know she is in a better place. Irene, your legacy will always live on through all of those who survive you.

ROSARYFRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 20247:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 McCULLOUGH AVE, 78212

PROCESSIONSATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 20249:30 AMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 McCULLOUGH AVE, 78212

MASS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 202410:00 AMST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH907 W. THEO AVE., 78225

Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South.