Surrounded by the love of her family, Mary Ann de la Garza peacefully entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Though her passing came far sooner than anyone could have imagined, we find comfort knowing she was reunited with her beloved parents, Beatrice [Carrillo] and Andres, and her brother, Anthony, whom she had missed so dearly.

A proud graduate of Incarnate Word High School's Class of 1969, Mary Ann continued her education by earning her bachelor's degree from Incarnate Word College and her master's degree at the University of Notre Dame in 1979. A shamrock for life, Mary Ann returned to Incarnate Word High School (IWHS), where she found her life's calling.

For 42 years, "Ms. de la," as thousands of students affectionately called her, taught mathematics and directed the choral program. She also led the school's renowned Madrigals, the very ensemble she had once proudly sung in as a student. Under her direction, the Madrigals achieved extraordinary success, even earning the honor of performing at the White House, twice. Throughout her career, Mary Ann received countless accolades recognizing her extraordinary gifts as an educator, musician, mentor and leader, including honors from the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic Schools, TAPPS Fine Arts, the University of Notre Dame and Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year.

But awards only told part of her story.

To her students, she could be…demanding. She expected preparation, discipline and excellence because she believed in their potential. She didn't just teach math and music, she helped her girls discover confidence in themselves and challenged them to become the women she knew they could be. Long after graduation, many still turned to Mary Ann as a trusted mentor, knowing she would always be in their corner.

Whether in the classroom, at church or at home, Mary Ann believed music had the power to bring people closer to one another and to God.

As a lifelong parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church she literally went from worshipping as child alongside her family to serving for decades as the church's music director.

Playing the organ, arguably one of the most difficult instruments to play, allowed her to paint the sound of God's word at Mass and sacred celebrations. Alongside her dear friend, Mary Jane Quintero whose voice filled the church and together they invited the congregation into prayer.

With music as her greatest gift, her family was definitely her greatest love.

A love so fierce and tender and real, words could never do it justice. But it could be seen in the treasured traditions she had with each of them. She shared an especially close bond with her brother, Andrew, and her sister-in-law, Christine. Around the holidays, she and Andrew had an unapologetic love of the Hallmark Christmas movies … even if they could predict the ending of every movie.

And while she was a beloved aunt to three nephews and one niece, the title never quite captured the role she played.

She was a second mother in every sense of the word.

She celebrated every milestone, offered wisdom without judgment and made each of them feel deeply seen, supported and loved.

With Elizabeth, baking Christmas cookies wasn't simply about making cookies, it was about passing down Mary Ann's mother's recipes, one batch at a time.

With Michael, it was a shared love of music, and the pride of being named an honorary "Shamrock" by Mary Ann and her girls.

With James, it was the thrill of conquering roller coasters together, though more often than not, Mary Ann was the one ready for one more ride after everyone else had tapped out.

And with Joseph, the oldest of her nephews, came one of her greatest joys: becoming Great-Aunt. He watched with an overflowing heart as his own three children experienced the very same adventures that had made his childhood so special, from movie outings and sleepovers to zoo trips and carousel rides at Kiddie Park. Her great-nephew Salvatore found his favorite place curled up beside Auntie Mary Ann on the couch with a stack of books, while her great-niece Eloise loved to paint her nails, each tiny brushstroke another excuse to spend time together.  Her love of teaching never ended, it simply found its way back home. Every Wednesday after school, Mary Ann taught piano to her great-nephew Maximilian. He became her final student, a role she treasured as much as he did.

Mary Ann's legacy lives on in the traditions she passed down, the music she shared and the countless lives she forever changed.

She had the rare gift of expecting excellence while making people feel loved. Somehow, she could challenge you, cheer for you and make you laugh…all at the same time.

Our lives are richer because we knew Mary Ann de la Garza.

Mary Ann is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Drs. Andrew and Christine de la Garza; her beloved nephews and niece: Joseph (Lauramay LaChance), Michael (Evan Kruse), Elizabeth (Nathaniel Gilbert), and James (Lexi de la Garza); and her cherished great-nephews and great-niece, Salvatore, Maximilian, and Eloise, along with countless former students, colleagues, fellow parishioners and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

600 Oblate Drive

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Visitation will begin at 5:00pm

Rosary to be recited at 6:30pm

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Gathering of family and friends 9:00am

Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00am

Burial will be in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2,

Followed by a reception back at the Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall

The de la Garza family invites and requests everyone to attend, including all of her friends, relatives, and members of her Shamrock & Blessed Sacrament Parish families.

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to the Mary Ann de la Garza Endowment Fund at Incarnate Word High School.

Office of Advancement
727 E. Hildebrand Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78212
Re: Mary Ann de la Garza Endowment Fund