Josephine Garza

On September 10, 1944, the third of seven children was born to the late Isaac Garza, Sr. and the late Josephine Espinoza Garza in Harris County, Houston Texas. Her parents named her Josephine Garza, but Josephine would forever more be known by family and friends as “Sugar”, a nickname given to her by her father.

Sugar was born with a congenital birth defect known as Myelomeningocele. She was not expected to live and if she did it would be for a short period of time and she would be plagued by numerous medical problems for the rest of her life. She lived her life as best she could given her medical conditions. For many years she took babysitting jobs. She also worked as a housekeeper in the rectory of St. Philip of Jesus Catholic Church here in Houston, Texas.

Her special talent was taking care of her nieces and nephews. Out of nine nieces and nephews, she helped care for all but two. She loved them and they loved her right back. When they were in Sugar’s care you knew they were well cared for.

She attended any event that came up like birthday parties, graduations, weddings, trips to the beach, and vacations. She loved socializing. She was smart and funny and she could be stubborn. She enjoyed a good cup of hot coffee and pastry anytime of the day. She enjoyed a cold coca cola, breakfast tacos and Popeye’s fried chicken and the occasional trip to the movie theater. Word search puzzles and coloring books were her favorite past time activities.

Sugar was a profile in courage, endurance and faith. This beautiful lady lived for 77 years. Josephine was a blessing to family and friends. She will live in our hearts forever. She fought the good fight; she finished her race; she kept the faith.

Sugar leaves to cherish her memory two sisters, Dolores Rodriguez (Gerardo), Stella Hence (Andre’), and one brother, Herman Garza (Josie-deceased); Nieces, Patricia Rodriguez Burkett (Mike), Nicole Rodriguez, Miranda Rodriguez, Courtney Griffin Vargas (Mark), Kathryan Garza Reinhart (Ronnie); Nephews, Isaac Garza, III, Michael Hence, Phillip Griffin (Lisa), Marco Antonio Garza (Lisa); and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac Garza, Sr., Josephine Espinoza Garza, two sisters, Lupe Garza, Rosemary Garza Wise, and one brother, Isaac Garza, Jr.

Eternal rest grant unto Sugar, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her; May she rest in Peace