Mrs. Lisa Pualani Garza

Lisa Garza, was a woman whose life reflected love, kindness, and courage in every season. She was born on May 4, 1969, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and she passed away on June 17, 2026, in Helotes, Texas. Her life was a testament to the power of grace under pressure, the strength of devotion, and the quiet but extraordinary impact one faithful heart can have on everyone around her.

Her greatest joy was found in her family. She was a devoted wife to Michael and a loving mother to Brooke and Matthew. She cherished her role in their lives and poured her heart into creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and belonging. Lisa was also a beloved daughter to Wayne and Susan Ho, and a treasured sister to Tracy Kempf. She shared a special bond with her brother-in-law, Buddy Kempf, and she loved her nephews, Owen and Connor, with a tenderness that will be remembered always. She is survived by numerous aunties, uncles, and cousins. Her family was the center of her world, and she gave them the gift of her love in countless meaningful ways.

Lisa carried herself with a spirit that lifted others. She was the kind of person who made people feel welcome, valued, and seen. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought encouragement, and her smile could brighten even the heaviest day. She lived with a deep sense of purpose and a steady commitment to the people she loved.

She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Lisa served as a Human Resources Specialist at Tesoro for over 22 years, where she built a legacy of reliability, compassion, and excellence. She understood people. She listened carefully. Her work was more than a job. It was a place where her character shined, and where her steady leadership made a lasting difference to colleagues and all who depended on her.

Lisa's faith was an important part of the foundation on which she built her life. She lived with a spirit of hope and perseverance, and she faced life’s trials with a courage that inspired others. Even in hardship, she remained loving. Even in uncertainty, she remained kind. Even in pain, she remained courageous. She reminded those around her that faith is not only spoken, but lived, and that strength is often found in the choice to keep going with grace.

Lisa had a beautiful way of bringing people together. She loved baking for family and friends, and those moments were never just about the food. They were about care, connection, and the joy of making others feel remembered and loved. Her children’s friends always loved coming over to spend time with the family. Lisa welcomed them as if they were her own, often cooking meals and treats for everyone to enjoy. Whether they were playing cards, watching movies, sharing a meal, or talking and laughing into the early hours of the morning, her home was a place filled with warmth, love and lasting memories. She understood that life is made richer when people come together, laugh together, and support one another through every chapter.

Those who knew Lisa will remember her as loving, kind, and courageous. She was a woman who met life with open hands and an open heart. She did not waste time on bitterness. She chose compassion, generosity, and to be a source of light. Her example teaches us that a meaningful life is built through daily acts of love, through steadfast faith, and through the decision to keep showing up for the people who matter most.

Though her time on earth ended far too soon, Lisa’s influence remains powerful and enduring. Her life speaks to all who knew her and all who were blessed by her presence. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and tenderness that will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends. Her story is one of perseverance, and her memory will forever remind us that a life lived with love is never truly lost.

Lisa will be deeply missed and forever cherished. She lived with purpose, loved with sincerity, and faced every challenge with remarkable courage. Her life was a gift, and her memory will continue to encourage all who carry her in their hearts.

A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, July 2, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m., with a graveside service to follow at 12:30, at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian.