Obituary of Rafael Galvan Garza

Rafael Garza, 72, and Catalina Garza, 69, of Port Isabel, TX passed away Friday, May 12, 2017 due to tragic circumstances.

As youths, Rafael and Catalina Garza met and sparked an unlikely love in Port Isabel, TX. Rafael, son of the late Roberto Garza and Rosa Galvan, was a young man born on October 17, 1944 into a local family of fisherman as one of eight children. Catalina, daughter of the late Policarpio L. Rivera and Maria Luisa Rivera, was a young woman born August 1, 1947 in Providencia, Zacatecas, Mexico who had immigrated as a girl.

At the time, Rafael had distinguished himself as an able student of the Garza family trade and had established himself as a shrimp boat captain. Despite the difficult work and unlikely romance, Rafael courted Catalina and the pair happily wed in 1965, remaining deeply committed to each other for 52 years.

Catalina was ever motivated as a dedicated caretaker and dear friend to her family and loved ones. Her generosity of spirit drew her to study the Bible where she learned of God’s loving promise of everlasting life and happiness. On March 7, 1977, Catalina was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and began sharing in the public preaching work. Rafael, impressed with his wife’s commitment to her faith and the joy she experienced when sharing the Good News of God’s Kingdom, baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses May 25, 1996.

Rafael and Catalina were unselfish with their love and often served as a surrogate father and mother to those around them. As they aged, the couple would enjoy the pride and satisfaction of raising their grandson, Gregory Sean Belue.

Rafael and Catalina were as committed in their love for each other as they were zealous in their love for God. Through the tender memories and good works of the lives they touched, they shall be celebrated as devoted family members, dear friends, and caretakers.

Rafael and Catalina Garza are survived by their children, Rafael Garza Jr., Lori Anne Garza (Jose Salinas); their eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Rafael Garza is also survived by his brothers, Alejandro Garza (Maria), Artemio Garza, and their families. Rafael is preceded in death by his siblings Miguel, Roberto, Esteban, Gregorio, and Isabel Garza and their existing families.

Catalina Garza is also survived by her siblings, Mauricio Sanchez (Rosa), Manuel Sanchez (Maria), Blanca Betancourt (Guadalupe), Guadalupe Reyes, Ricardo Rivera, Betty Alaniz (Sandalio), Ana Luisa Barrientes, Janie Rivera, and their families.

A public viewing will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and a public discourse will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas.

A Talk will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at Thomae Garza Funeral Home followed by burial services at the Port Isabel City Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers for Rafael are: Jose Salinas, Gregory Sean Belue, Eddie Reyes, Rolando Alaniz, Ricardo Rivera, Greg Garza, Roberto Garza and Jose Cruz; honorary pallbearers are: Artemio Garza, Alejandro Garza, Moises Galvan, and Daniel Galvan.

Serving as pallbearers for Catalina Garza are: Rafael Garza III, Artemio Garza, Esteban Garza, Rey Garza, Artemio Garza, Jr., and Gerardo Lopez.

You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the families of Rafael and Catalina Garza at: www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.