Consuelo de la Garza Puente

Consuelo “Chela” de la Garza Puente, 83 years old entered into eternal rest on February 15, 2022 with her loving family by her side. She was born to Rodolfo and Antonia de la Garza, at El Pedernal ranch in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, MX. She is preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Leonarado, Juan Jose and Nicanor de la Garza; 2 sisters, Elida D. Guajardo and Nicolasa de la Garza and her daughter-in-law, Dahlia Puente. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Julian R. Puente; children Alma Colleli, Julian Puente Jr. (Luz), Daniel Puente (Sonia) and Veronica “Betty” Guajardo; 8 grandchildren Cristal N. Colleli, Julian A. Puente, Aaron D. Puente, Taylor D. Puente, Alyssa R. Guajardo, Isabella Guajardo, Avery J. Puente, Ryan T. Puente and 1 great granddaughter Prestyn R. Colleli. She is also survived by loving cousins, brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews. Chela’s favorite childhood pastimes were skating, helping her father with ranch chores and learning to cook with her mother. She attended school in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. She met the love of her life, Julian in 1959 on a bus from Matamoros to her family’s ranch. They married in 1962 starting their life together in Harlingen. Throughout her life time she worked as a migrant farm worker and seamstress later forming a conjunto music band with her husband called Los Fronterizos de Julio y Chela. They recorded numerous original songs and toured throughout the country. Her love of music lives on and her beautiful voice can be heard on her recordings found online and at the University of California at Los Angeles’ Frontera website. Chela worked alongside her husband in the Conjunto music industry, promoting dances, producing music and running the Club 77 dance hall in San Benito. They brought in music bands such as Los Tigeres del Norte. She and her husband were excellent dancers, often winning dance contests throughout the Valley. Chela was a ray of sunshine brightening up any room with her laughter and stories. She enjoyed hosting Christmas posadas in her home with her famous tamales and wedding cookies, which her family and friends always requested she bake for their events. Her greatest joy was found in her grandchildren and great granddaughter; she loved each dearly and was so proud of them. She was a true fashionista, always dressed with the latest trends. Even in her later years, she loved to wear hats and jewelry to match her outfits. Chela was a member of the Spanish Choir at St. Anthony Church, member of the Travis Elementary PTA and served as a money counter at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. She recited the rosary daily, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, passing on her deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ to her family. Visitation will be held Sunday beginning at 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM and a rosary will be at 6:00 PM with a eulogy to follow. Funeral services will be Monday, February 21, 2022 departing the Rudy Garza Funeral Home at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church and interment will follow at Heavenly Grace Cemetery. The Puente family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and deep gratitude for all expressions of sympathy shown them during this time of bereavement. Special thanks are extended to Chela’s medical providers and staff for their care and attention; especially Dr. Todd Shenkenberg, Dr. Diana Lozano, Dr. Erin McCormick and Chela’s favorite nurse Annette Moya. Funeral services are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home.

Consuelo de la Garza Puente

October 20, 1938 - February 15, 2022

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