Obituary of Annie Garza

Annie Garza EDINBURG - Annie Garza was accepted through the gates of Heaven on November 30, 2021 in Houston, surrounded by her loving children. Annie was born on February 28, 1954 and resided in Sharyland for most of her early life. Learning the value of education at a young age, Annie graduated from Sharyland High School in 1973 and attained both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Pan American University shortly thereafter. She used her education and abilities to give back by helping others through her work as a teacher and high school counselor at PSJA ISD for 35 years. Annie found joy in seeing her students succeed and worked tirelessly to provide them with opportunities for improvement, both professional and personal. There was not a question she could not answer or a problem she could not solve- she climbed many a mountain for her students, family, and friends to ensure their success. She was a source of inspiration and aspiration to all who knew her. Although Annie was a hard worker, she was first and foremost a mother. She raised her children to know that family came first, education was the key to success, and faith in God was the ultimate source of strength. Her tireless efforts did not go in vain on her children Joel A. Garza a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin employed as a university professor and founder of All Star Theatre in McAllen, Jennifer R. Garza-Balderas a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio employed as an occupational therapist, and Dr. Ginger R. Garza a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin employed as a pharmacist. Annie raised her family in her dream home, which she meticulously designed and built in Edinburg. Most recently Annie gained a new title as “Gamma” to Ariel and Avery- a new source of her shared loved. Annie’s three children and grandchildren were the loves of her life and she was their biggest supporter, advocate, and best-friend. Annie was a lover of life- she was the party planner, the hostess with the mostest, and the fun of every holiday gathering. There wasn’t a dance she would sit out, a theatrical production she would miss, a football or basketball game too far to attend (especially the Cowboys, the Longhorns, and the Spurs). Her favorite pastime was traveling to the beaches of Hawaii, the casinos of Las Vegas, or the shopping of New York City. There wasn’t a rollercoaster left off the list at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios- she did it all, with style. Left to cherish her memory and carry her legacy are her children; Joel A. Garza, Jennifer (Omar) Garza-Balderas, and Ginger Garza and grandchildren Ariel and Avery Balderas of McAllen; her beloved mother Juanita Martinez of Sharyland, and her siblings Armando (Esperanza) Pena, San Juanita (Eddie) Hernandez, Juan Martinez, and Norma Lopez of Mission and sister-in-law Cindy Pena of McAllen. She also leaves her loyal companions Ricky (Yorkie) and Ben (parrot) and numerous nephews, nieces, friends and neighbors she held near and dear to her heart. Annie is preceded in death by her father Tino Pena, her stepfather Santos Martinez, her dear brother Rene Pena, and her brother-in-law Robert Lopez, and valued mentor Dora V. Garcia. The family would like to thank Dr. Malcom, Dr. & Mrs. Enslein, Dr. London, Dr. Seas, Dr. & Mrs. Solis, Dr. Kaplan, Dr. Martinez, Nurses Marysol, Jackie, Judd, Bjorn, Daniel, Rose and the medical staff at MD Anderson for their vigorous efforts and care. A special thanks to Carlos Perez, Cody Pena, Luci Lerma, Christina Paz-Luera, Catherine Pazin, Norah Montalvo, Chris Reyes, Rina Gonzalez, Letty Cisneros, Illiana & Andrea Cantu, Vicky Cadena, Janet Doyle, Caro Garza, Dani Rodriguez, Sophie Romero, and many other family and friends for their constant prayers and support. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg with Fr. Greg Labus officiating. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Flowers and balloons are encouraged, however donations can also be made to the Annie Garza Memorial Scholarship c/o All Star Theatre- PO BOX 720902 McAllen, TX 78504. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.