Aurora C. Garza's Obituary
Weslaco- Aurora Cantu Garza, 86, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Born and raised in Weslaco, Aurora grew up in a bustling household with eight siblings. On January 25, 1959, she married the love of her life, Donaciano “Chano” Garza, and together they built a family of five children, rooted in faith, love, and hard work.
In their early years, Aurora and Chano worked as migrant laborers, spending seasons in Ohio and other northern states. Their children learned discipline and responsibility by sharing in the family’s labor, balancing school and work across two worlds. Eventually, the Garzas were able to settle permanently in Weslaco, where Chano worked as a truck driver and Aurora found her lifelong calling as a seamstress. She devoted 24 years to Dickies, retiring with pride in her craft.
Aurora’s hands were rarely still. She sewed and knitted with love, creating treasured blankets for each child and grandchild in their favorite colors. When not sewing, she was outdoors with her plants, carefully tending her yard until it bloomed with the same devotion she gave her family. She passed along that same work ethic and love for the land to her children and grandchildren.
She and Chano also shared a joy for dancing, lighting up the floor on weekends with their effortless steps. Aurora cherished trips to California to visit her siblings, and she remained deeply connected to her sisters—sharing daily phone calls filled with love, laughter, and advice.
Aurora’s strength shone brightest after she was widowed at a young age, 34 years ago. She continued to nurture her family, helping to raise her grandchildren and making her home a place of comfort, where hot meals and warmth were always waiting. Her rice, beans, and homemade tortillas became legendary staples, always prepared with care.
A woman of grace and dignity, Aurora never left the house without her hair perfectly styled, her jewelry shining, and her clothes carefully coordinated. She carried herself with quiet pride and deep faith, remaining a devoted Catholic all her life. She was firm when needed, yet endlessly loving—respected, admired, and cherished by all who knew her.
Aurora is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donaciano “Chano” Garza Sr.; her parents, Rafael Tito and Gregoria (Loya) Cantu; and her siblings, Rafael Cantu (Jesusa), Carlota Rodriguez (Ramon), Gerardo Cantu, Salvador Cantu, Susano Cantu, and Emilio Cantu.
She is survived by her children: Melba Pedraza (Juan), Ramiro Garza (Maria E.), Donaciano “Jr.” Garza, Marissa Berrones (Rogelio), and Juan J. Garza (Marisa); her sisters, Matilde Garcia (Manuel) and Guadalupe “Lupita” Rodriguez (Rene+); her sisters-in-law, Elida Garza, Elva Cantu, Virginia Cantu, Carmen Cantu, and Elva Cantu; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who will continue to celebrate her memory.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.
Aurora’s life was one of resilience, devotion, and unconditional love—a legacy her family will forever hold close.
What’s your fondest memory of Aurora?
What’s a lesson you learned from Aurora?
Share a story where Aurora's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Aurora you’ll never forget.
How did Aurora make you smile?
