Obituary of Carmen E. Garza

Carmen was born on May 10, 1925, in Garland City, Arkansas to Margarito and Margarita Garcia. Her family later moved to Tres Pinos, California in 1945. She was married to Jesse Garza, Sr., in 1946, and relocated to New Idria Mines. They remained married for 42 years until he passed away in 1988. They had five children: daughters Trinidad, Mary Lou (spouse Richard D. Smith), and Margaret, (spouse Larry Mendolla.). Their sons included Jesse Jr. (wife Cathy), Ralph, and David. Jesse and Carmen also raised their grandson Donald Gonzales after the death of his mother Trinidad, in 1972. Carmen was preceded in death by her two children Trinidad, and Ralph. Carmen worked as a cook at San Benito County Jail. She furthered her career and subsequently went to work at the Santa Clara County Correctional Facility, until her retirement in 1997. Carmen enjoyed cooking for both family and friends. She especially enjoyed making holiday meals with her children's favorite foods. She was a religious woman, who placed a great value on her family. She was a practicing Catholic. She first attended church at Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos. She later attended mass services at Sacred Heart, and the then moved to St. Benedict's Church in Hollister. Carmen's hobbies including fishing with her spouse and children. She also enjoyed canning all types of fruits, and vegetables for her garden. Her homemade jam was absolutely spectacular, and she often made jam to only give it away. Carmen never knew a stranger. She is survived by numerous grandchildren, Donald Gonzalez, Stephanie Marentis Buchanan (spouse Darrell Buchanan), Michael Garza (spouse Brandi Lynn Schmidt-Garza), Aaron and Sarah Mendolla, DeeAnn, Johnathan, Jessica, and Elizabeth Garza. She also is survived by 11 great grandchildren: Michael, Austin, Dallas, Charlie, and Jessi Buchanan, Wade and Rebecca Garza, Rosalie and Lilly Reed, Marley Larson and Belen Gonzales. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 6th, from 1:00 p.m. top 8:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, April 7th, family and friends will meet at 2;00 p.m. at St. Benedict's Church for a Mass of the Resurrection. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A reception at Paine's Restaurant will follow the interment.