Dolores B. Garza, at the age of 90, passed away on January 6, 2026. Dolores was known for always being on the go - traveling whenever she could, playing at the casino which was her most favorite outing, and filling her days with cooking, playing cards & bunco, shopping, and movies – she really loved watching movies. If there was laughter in the room, she was at the center of it causing trouble. She didn't just stay busy - she lived life with energy and fun.

Dolores was born on September 21, 1935, to Herbert Bernal and Aurora Benitez. She grew up with her sisters, Olga and Susie, and carried that close-knit, family-first spirit throughout her life. She attended Fox Tech High School where she had fun as a cheerleader and loved being part of the Fiesta parades - an early sign of the joy and sparkle she carried throughout her life.

Dolores built a beautiful life with her beloved husband, Jose Armando Garza Jr. They knew each other since they were young kids, and together they shared 62 years of marriage, family traditions, and countless memories made. Dolores and Joe also found deep joy in giving back through their church community, and they regularly volunteered at San Francesco Di Paolo Catholic Church, especially for the church's Spaghetti dinners where they loved serving and connecting with others.

While most of Dolores's life was spent doing the hardest job of them all - raising a family - she also took immense pride in her late 50s and 60s when she ran the family business alongside Joe, Mr. G's Beer & Gifts in Market Square. Dolores truly flourished in her 60s. She managed the store, handled payroll and inventory, sourced products, and during Fiesta she brought her creativity to life, making colorful Fiesta t-shirts, hand-made Fiesta crowns and cascarones, and she loved the bustle of the season so much that she brought in her sister Olga and her cousin Irma to help during those weeks.

Dolores was a devoted mother whose children meant everything to her. She is lovingly remembered by her children Monica, Angela, and Gabriel, and she held a special place in her heart for her son, Armando, who preceded her in death.

As much as Dolores loved staying busy, her favorite role was being Grammy. She treasured her 10 grandchildren - Samantha, Jennifer, Natalie, Scott, Kenneth, Patrick, Haley, Abbi, Armando, and Julian - and took so much pride in watching her family grow. She was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren: Kevin, Harley, Ivy, Samson, Jeremy, Nicholas, Callie, Tatum, Arabelle, Kion, and Theo, each of whom brought her so much joy.

Dolores showed love in many ways, but especially through food. Cooking and baking were her love language, and she poured that care into every meal and treat she made.

Dolores was also blessed with wonderful friendships and unforgettable traveling adventures. She and Joe regularly traveled with their dear friends Olga & Paul Garza and Vicky & Arturo Guerrero, making memories full of laughter and joy.

Dolores will always be remembered for her laugh, her smile, her food, and the way she loved her family. We'll always imagine hearing her say "I'm ready!" because she was always ready to go somewhere. We couldn't have asked for a better Grammy, mom, aunt, sister, and friend, and we will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Bernal and Aurora Benitez; her husband, Jose Armando Garza Jr.; her sisters, Olga Peña and Susie Gutierrez; and her son, Armando Garza. She is survived by her children Monica Sherman (Mike), Angela Duncan, and Gabriel Garza (Amy); and by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the staff and fellow residents she made friends with at the Oak Park Nursing Center who took care of her, played, laughed, and danced with her.

Visitation will begin on Monday, January 12th at 6:00pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00pm at the Angelus Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, January 13th at 8:45am at San Francesco di Paola Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.