March 31, 1923 - March 14, 2018
Resident of Santa Clara, California
Feliz Garza was beloved by her children---Robert, Yvonne, and James----who were by her side when she left this world to be reunited with God, and her husband of 61 years, Alonzo Garza. Her quiet strength and generous heart will live in our memory forever.
Feliz was born in Carrizo Springs, Texas in 1923 to Casimiro and Tomasita Salinas. After graduating high school she moved to San Antonio, Texas where during World War II she worked for the U.S. government in the censorship office.
Later, she moved with relatives to San Jose, California in search of work in the flourishing cannery industry. Soon thereafter, she met her life partner, Alonzo, at the Rainbow Ballroom in downtown San Jose. They were married at St. Joseph's Church.
Feliz and Alonzo created a beautiful yet simple life with their three children in Santa Clara where they resided for 60 years. Feliz was a strong and selfless woman who privileged her children and role as a homemaker of personal wants or needs. The first to rise in the morning, Feliz prepared stacks of homemade four tortillas for breakfast,. She attended to household errands and appointments using public transit. Weekends were spent visiting with relatives. Nurturing and nourishing her family was her life's work.
Preparing homemade tamales is a tradition she learned from her mother and passed along to her four granddaughters who were the joy of her later years. "I love your, Mamalinda," was the voice of our loving matriarch.
In her final years, Feliz was cared for by daughter Yvonne, who dedicated herself to ensuring her mother's health and comfort. Feliz was held in her children's embrace as she took her final breaths.
Feliz is survived by her children and grandchildren: Robert Garza (Jennifer Andaluz; granddaughters Magdalena and Liliana), Yvonne Garza (Bob Padilla) and James Garza (Shelly Garza; granddaughters Lisee and Tahlia).
The family extends an invitation to attend the Rosary Vigil at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel in San Jose at 7pm on Friday, March 23 and Funeral Mass at St. Justin's Church in Santa Clara at 11am on Saturday, March 24, followed by a committal service at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery
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