Maria Elena Garza, 96, of Alice, Texas, entered eternal peace surrounded by family on April 13, 2026. She was born on October 28, 1929, to Ramona and Gabriel Chapa in Alice, Texas. She married Servando “Shorty” Garza on October 31, 1948.

Maria Elena will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Alongside raising her five children and running the household, she was proud to have worked at Woolworth, Westin Grocery, and as a bookkeeper and accountant for Garza Welding Service, her husband’s welding company, for many years.

She'll be remembered for hosting big family lunches and dinners on Sundays — always making enough to walk plates over to neighbors who couldn't join. For almost two decades she hosted post-church luncheons for her priest, welcoming family and friends to her table. She kept sweet treats waiting for her grandchildren, crocheted afghans for those she loved, and made tamales like no one else. She'll be remembered for her thoughtful prayers for anyone in need, her love of gardening, the joyful way she greeted a friendly face at the door, her long hugs, her love of shopping, and staying out late dancing with her husband at any party they were invited to.

She is survived by her five children and their families, which included 17 grandchildren: Janie (Arnoldo) Resendez and their children, Lizette (Bret), Arnette, Lovette, and Arnold Brian; Nora (Emede) Gonzalez and their children, Monica (Gilbert), Emede Jr (Andrea), Larissa, Sarah (Marc), and Juan Gabriel (Victoria); Sylvanna (Homero) Flores and their children, Beverley, Mario (Italie), and Mariel; Rosamar (Carlos) Martinez and their children, Juan Carlos (Breanna), Carlos Xavier, and Carlos Daniel; and Servando (Robin) Garza Jr. and their children, Christopher and Hunter (Sophia).

She was also the proud great-grandmother to 10, Ian, Evan, Ava, Emma, Ethan, Elliott, Alondra, Dafne, Luke, and Lexi.

Maria Elena was preceded in death by her parents, Ramona and Gabriel Chapa; her loving husband of 46 years, Servando ” Shorty” Garza; and her siblings, Gabriel Chapa Jr, Preciliano L. Chapa, Carmen Chapa Valdepena, Eustolia Chapa Jimenez, and Josefina Chapa Rodriguez.

Maria Elena’s family will receive condolences on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM, at Trevino Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St., with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 11:30 AM. A Funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 12:30 PM, to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, to celebrate Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at New Collins Cemetery where Maria Elena will be laid to rest in the peace of Christ.

Honoring Maria Elena as pallbearers will be Arnold Brian Resendez, Emede Gonzalez Jr., Mario Flores, Juan Carlos Martinez, Charlie Martinez, and Hunter Garza.

The family would like to thank the nurses, aides, and staff at The Meridian Care of Alice including the Drake Unit, for the extraordinary care and kindness shown to our mother. Your gentle presence, encouragement, and compassion were a blessing to her and to all who loved her. The family also wishes to express sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff of Nurses on Wheels Hospice for the gentle, attentive, and loving care provided to our mother. Your patience, compassion, and support meant more than words can say.

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