Consuelo "Connie" Garza

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Consuelo “Connie” Cantu Garza Consuelo C. Garza, 85, of Harlingen, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 5, 1939, in Mercedes, Texas, Consuelo was the beloved daughter of Genaro Cantu and Florinda Elizondo. She was the fifth of eight children and held the distinction of being the first in her family to graduate from high school. In 1974, Consuelo “Connie” Garza co-founded Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Houston, Texas, alongside her beloved husband, Rutilio “Rudy” Garza Jr. Five years later, she returned to the Rio Grande Valley with her husband and children, establishing Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas. The funeral home opened its doors on September 30, 1979, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy of service and care in the community. After opening the funeral home in Harlingen, Connie and her husband, Rudy, also founded Harlingen Monument Company in 1979, Rudy Garza Palms Funeral Home in La Feria, Texas, in November 1988, Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in July 1991 and Rudy Garza Funeral Home, Mercedes, Texas in July of 1994. Connie balanced her role as a business owner with tireless dedication to civic engagement. In 1986, she became a director of the Harlingen Mexican American Chamber of Commerce, where she championed initiatives to inspire young minds. Working with the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, as chairman, she organized efforts to motivate students, arranging visits to Texas State Technical College for mentorship and inspiration. These efforts culminated in the creation of the “Step Up to Success” convention, a program that encouraged countless young people to pursue their dreams. Her contributions did not go unnoticed. In 1986, she received the “Seniority” award, from the Harlingen Mexican American Chamber of Commerce. In 1989, Connie was named “Businesswoman of the Year” by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce and represented the Rio Grande Valley at the Trade and Industry Fair in Mexico City. Over the years, she continued to earn recognition for her extraordinary leadership and commitment to her community. She was named “Zontian of the Year” in 1996, “Director of the Year” by the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce, and “Hispanic Woman of the Year” by the Valley Morning Star in 1997. Connie’s passion for service extended far and wide. She proudly chaired the 90th and 100th anniversary celebrations for Mercedes, Texas, as well as numerous other community events. Her leadership with organizations such as the Pan American Round Table, Zonta International, International Good Neighbor Council, Theta Omega, Cameron County Welfare Board, Harlingen Proud, Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery Association, The Mercedes Chamber of Commerce, Director of Sunshine Haven Hospice, The Guadalupanas, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and the American Heart Association touched countless lives. Her efforts were frequently recognized, including awards for outstanding service and dedication from the American Heart Association and Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. Connie had a zest for life that shone through in her many hobbies and interests. She cherished the simple pleasures of playing bunco, gathering with her Thursday lunch groups, and celebrating with her birthday clubs. Her creative spirit was evident in her love for scrapbooking, jewelry making, and interior decorating, while her adventurous side took her traveling to new places and enjoying occasional gambling trips. Above all, Connie treasured time spent with her family, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. Her hobbies brought her joy and connection, enriching her life and the lives of those around her. Throughout her life, Connie exemplified strength, compassion, and vision. Her impact on the Rio Grande Valley and beyond will forever be remembered. A trailblazer, mentor, and devoted community leader, she leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and love that continues to inspire us all. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rudy R. Garza, Jr.; two infant children; her sister, Estela Salazar and three brothers, Baldemar Cantu, Guadalupe Cantu and Genaro Cantu. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Sandra "Sandi" Concepcion Garza, Tammy Garza, Rudy "Trei" Garza III (Angelica), and Sonia G. Galvan (Richard); six grandchildren, Anyssa V. Almendarez, Aaron C. Almendarez, Miranda Garza, Elliana R. Galvan, Elijah R. Galvan and Esteban L. Galvan. She is also survived by her brother, Antonio Cantu and two sisters, Esmeralda Givilancz and Carlota Noriega. Visitation will begin Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM and a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 departing the Rudy Garza Funeral Home at 10:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church with Father Ruben as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rudy R. Garza III, Richard Galvan, Aaron Almendarez, Elijah Galvan, Esteban Galvan, Raymond Givilancz and Omar Elizondo.

Consuelo "Connie" Garza

May 5, 1939 - December 23, 2024

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