Mary De La Garza

In loving memory of Mary Louise De La Garza who passed away at the age of 86 on December 18th, 2025. She will be lovingly and deeply missed. Mary was born on November 17, 1939 to Lupe and Louise Garza in San Antonio, Texas. She was raised in San Antonio and graduated from Incarnate Word High School. Later she received her Associates degree at Del Mar College in Accounting.

She met the love of her life in San Antonio when Mary Louise was 19 and Edward was 24. They were married on November 29, 1958. For 64 years Edward and Mary shared an amazing life. For 21 years Mary and Edward traveled the world together with the Navy, living in Guam, Massachusetts and California. Together working side by side, they raised a family and two companies.

In the 1970's Mary worked at Corpus Christi National Bank. In the beginning, she worked as a teller. Later she worked in new accounts and certificates of deposits. In 1976, Edward and Mary opened Del Air Company, and later, Del Air R.V. Center. Mary worked at the bank during the day, and took care of Del Air Company's accounts at night. In 1983, Mary left the bank to work alongside Edward. Mary loved learning. Edward taught Mary, and later their sons, how to troubleshoot mechanical problems, handle warranties and more. Edward and Mary's work ethic and love for learning were passed onto their three children. On May 17, 2024 Del Air Company and Del Air RV Center closed their doors. Like many companies, COVID negatively impacted their family's businesses.

Mary was an avid reader, often reading two or three books at one time. She enjoyed reading nonfiction: books on faith and Catholic teachings; political biographies and books on health.

For many years Mary enjoyed taking continuing education classes at Del Mar College. She loved to sing, so she enrolled in voice lessons, and learned to play the piano.

Mary will always be remembered for her loving nature, smile and genuine devotion to her faith, family and friends. Her children will always remember the beautiful love and respect their parents shared with one another.

Mary enjoyed serving as a Eucharist Minister, R.C.I.A. leader, member of the choir and Lector at St. Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church. At St John the Baptist in Corpus Christi, Texas Mary loved singing in the choir, was a Lector and an assistant religious education leader with the younger elementary children. She was proud to belong to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas volunteer organization.

Mary was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Mary is survived by her sons, Edward De La Garza III (Lisa), Robert De La Garza; her daughter, Melissa Allis (Tom); her sister, Melinda Monge; grandchildren, Devon Hellman (Tyler), Ashley Kozub (Cody) and Katie Monaghan (Mike); great grandchildren, Emerson Hellman, Elias Hellman, Archer Hellman, Birdie Hellman, Leah Kozub, Dean Kozub and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Seaside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm that same evening. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 1 pm.

Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are Edward De La Garza III, Robert De La Garza, Tom Allis, Eduardo de la Garza, Bobby Joe Garcia and Mark Bigley.