Isabel Torres Garza passed away peacefully at home in Spring Branch at the age of 88, with her family at her side.  Isabel was born in the very small South Texas town of Rio Hondo. She was the youngest of six sisters that were raised by their paternal grandmother "Ama Regina". She and her sisters grew up during a time of segregation and vast racial and ethnic inequality. Their elementary school was known as "Mexiquito," where students were subjected to staying in the same grade level for 2-3 years utilizing a system of low, regular, and high formats for each grade level. Their beloved "Ama Regina" made sure the girls were not subjected to staying in one grade level longer than one year by threatening to not take in any laundry services from the teachers if they did not comply.

The education of her children and grandchildren was a primary focus in her life. Isabel was a proud graduate of Rio Hondo High School in 1952, which was a massive accomplishment for Mexican American women at that time in America's history. In high school, Isabel participated in basketball as a feisty five-foot forward and was named a Texas High School All-State athlete. Isabel was also musically gifted and played French Horn in the marching band.  Isabel later graduated from nursing school at Santa Rosa Hospital in 1962 and actively worked as a licensed vocational nurse for over 55 years valiantly serving the city of San Antonio. For the majority of her nursing career, she enjoyed working with children and their families at Santa Rosa Hospital, Head Start, SAISD schools, and the Children's Shelter of San Antonio.

Not only did Isabel serve her community as a nurse, but she was also an avid volunteer at St. John's Parish & School, holding positions as a PTC president, as well as various other volunteer positions, and serving with the altar society and the food pantry.  Isabel also volunteered with political campaigns in the 60s & 70s with her mother-in-law to increase voter registration amongst the Mexican American community.  Since she moved to Weizmann Street in Northeast San Antonio in the 60s, she was well known by her local councilman and her state representative in District 123.  Isabel was an active volunteer for the senior citizen's nutrition program and was a center representative with Kenwood Community Center for many years after she retired from her career in nursing. On top of her aforementioned work in the community, she was also a Volunteer for medical advancement with the Look Ahead Study for Diabetes in which she participated for twenty years.  Besides her countless hours spent serving as a nurse and volunteer, Isabel was able to travel to Italy, and numerous stateside locations, she especially enjoyed her travels to Las Vegas and New Orleans where she would "make money" in the casinos. She also loved to be in the garden, as well as sewing, and painting and enjoyed the music at parties along with an occasional libation.

We would like to express our deepest love and devotion to our mother for her strong influence on our lives. She bestowed upon us a legacy of love, humor, courage, hard work, and determination. Isabel lived personally and professionally by her words and actions that reflected always her integrity, sense of service before self, and excellence in all that she did. We will miss you dearly Mom!

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents Bruno and Isabel Torres, her loving husband Henry Garza Jr., and her siblings: Lupe Garza, Fela Gonzales, Mary Pruitt, Esperanza Briones, Frances Alaniz, Bruno Torres Jr., Eduardo "Eddie" Torres, Delfina Torres-Castro.

She is survived by her children: Miranda Garza, Rebecca Pompa (Pete), Dr. Henry Garza III (Magdalena), Louisa Gonzalez (Edgar). Grandchildren: James R. Garza Jr. (Daisy), Christina Garza Romero (Erick), Joshua J. Garza (Sarah), Lisa Garza, Kenneth Garza (Amy), Natalie Reyes, Timothy Garza, Alexandra Pompa, Francesca Pompa, Philip H. Garza (Kayla), Nicolas Garza, Ezequiel X. Gonzalez, Zacarias A. Gonzalez, Maria-Salome Gonzalez. Siblings: Regina Torres-Chapa, Evangelina Torres, Enrique Torres, Olga Torres, Norma Torres-Martinez. Numerous great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews all of whom adored her.

The family would like to thank and are forever grateful to Pete and Becky Pompa who joyfully chose to bring "Mamo Bel" home to Spring Branch when the Pandemic began where she blissfully resided in their household tending to plants and animals of the property and loved being doted on by Pete and Becky.  We would like to thank the superior staff of Suncrest Hospice for their care and compassion for our family. Donations may be made to San Antonio Children's Bereavement Center or San Antonio Meals on Wheels.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Services will be held at

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

600 Oblate Dr.

Visitation will begin at 2:30pm

Rosary recited at 3:30pm

Funeral Mass offered at 4:00pm

https://www.blessedsacrament.church/

https://www.facebook.com/blessedcatholiccommunity

Friday, July 1, 2022

Graveside Service and Interment will be held at 9:00am

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.