Maria Luisa Galarza

Mary Lou Galarza, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and cherished friend, peacefully departed this world on January 18, 2025. Born on April 22, 1948, in Beeville, TX. Mary Lou filled her years with love, faith, and an unwavering devotion to her family. 

Raised in a household where her parents were dedicated preachers, Mary Lou attended Berea Bible College, emerged from a life steeped in faith, becoming a Bible scholar in her own right. Her strong spirituality illuminated the lives of those around her, guiding them with wisdom and compassion. She embraced her role as a homemaker, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was doing laundry, washing dishes, or sewing treasured creations for her loved ones. 

For 54 beautiful years, Mary Lou was the loving wife of Gabriel Galarza, together raising a family that would come to mean everything to her. She leaves behind four devoted children: Ruby Villegas (Enrique), Rita Capuchina (Alberico), Regina Gutierrez (Martin), and Gabriel James Galarza. Her legacy of love lives on in her grandchildren Raymond Adame Jr., Adan Capuchina, Alaysia Capuchina and Josiah Gutierrez and close family ties. Maria is also survived by six brothers— Rev. Jimmy Longoria (Naomi), Rev. Joe Longoria (Elizabeth), Ray Longoria (Cynthia), Juan Longoria (Esmeralda), Rev. Ricardo Longoria (Vivian), Ernest Longoria—and two sisters, Frances Leal and Rose Mary Adames (Juan). 

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Santiago and Eloisa Longoria; her eldest brother, Eliasar Longoria; brother Moses Langoria and her brother-in-law, Domingo Leal.

 A funeral service will be held in her memory at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, Texas, where family and friends will gather on January 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM to celebrate Mary Lou's life and legacy. Prior to this, a private viewing for family will take place at the same location on January 24, 2025 at 6pm and public viewing from 7pm-9pm, allowing all who were touched by Mary Lou to pay their respects and share memories. 

Following the service, her remains will be cremated, symbolizing a peaceful return to the earth she so cherished—a testament to a life well-lived and a love that will endure.

 As we honor Mary Lou Galarza, we reflect on the beauty she brought into the lives of everyone she encountered. Her laughter, her faith, and her unwavering love for family will forever resonate in our hearts. She is now at peace, embraced in eternal love, and in that love, we find solace and strength.