Joann (Gonzalez) Garza

JoAnn Garza passed peacefully into eternal life on January 13, 2025, at the age of 76 in Corpus Christi, Texas, while surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. Born on December 17, 1948, in Alice, Texas, to her parents, Celestino and Margaret Gonzalez, JoAnn will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. JoAnn's early education took place in the Alice Independent School District, culminating with her graduation from William Adams High School in 1967. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, Guadalupe Garza, Jr., marking the beginning of a beautiful partnership with countless adventures. Together they created wonderful memories founded on love, respect, and mutual support. Professionally, JoAnn found her true calling in 1990 when she became a preschool teacher at the Episcopal Day School. Her innate ability to nurture and inspire young minds was evident to all who knew her. JoAnn's approach to teaching was characterized by her attentive, compassionate, caring, and loving demeanor, leaving a lasting impact on the children in her care. JoAnn's interests and talents were as warm and inviting as her personality. She was an avid fan of television shows such as "The Wheel of Fortune" and "Dancing with the Stars." Her culinary skills were nothing short of legendary, making especially delicious pan de polvo and pies, which were the highlights of family gatherings. JoAnn's kitchen was a place of joy and togetherness, where memories were baked into every dish.

Grandma, her favorite name and sound to her ears, was present in all her children’s and grandchildren’s school and sports activities and was a devoted Campfire Leader. Her love for summer day camps was evident in her enthusiastic leadership. Those who knew JoAnn would describe her as an extraordinary woman known for her compassion, kindness, generosity, and gentleness. She instilled those values as well as honesty, discipline, respect, and the importance of family unity. She practiced her faith with devotion at St. Joseph Catholic Church as an active member throughout her life.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Celestino and Margaret Gonzalez; her in-laws, Guadalupe and Eufemia Garza; her beloved daughter, Diana Dee Brockway; and her sisters-in-law, Leticia Garza and Graciela Garza.

Her legacy of love and compassion lives on through her surviving family, her loving husband of 56 years, Guadalupe Garza, Jr.; her children, Darla Reyna, Danny (Sonia) Garza, Daisy (Mike) Villanueva, and Debra (Peter) Hughes; son-in-law, Thomas Brockway; and her adored grandchildren, Thomas Brockway, Jr., Jessica Brockway, Cristina Reyna, Adrian Reyna, Jr., John Ryan Garcia, Noah Garza, Joel Garza, Cami Rodriguez, Taylor Rodriguez, Colton Janysek, Jacklynn Villanueva, Anna Rose Hughes, and Shawn Hughes; her sister-in-law, Oralia (Jeff) Bray; her brothers-in-law, Alonzo Garza and Carlos Garza; her numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends; and, of course, her spoiled furry companion, Magic.

JoAnn will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and she will live on in the memories and hearts of the many lives she touched.

JoAnn’s family will receive condolences on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Trevino Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St., from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A funeral cortege will depart from the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at New Collins Cemetery.

Honoring JoAnn as pallbearers are Ian Bray, David Bray, Peter Hughes, Mike Villanueva, Shawn Hughes, and Johnny Salinas.

JoAnn’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Homestead Ambulance Service and Fresenius Kidney Care of Alice for their professionalism and for going beyond the call of duty for the care of their mother.

To leave your condolences for the family of JoAnn Garza, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.