Maria Teresa Serna De La Garza

Maria Teresa Serna De La Garza, 79, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 5, 2023, following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Laredo, Texas on January 13, 1944, to Narciso Serna and Amelia Ramirez Serna.
Mary, or "La Wera" as many knew her by, married the love of her life, Fernando G. De La Garza on April 2, 1967, in Edinburg, Texas, where they raised their three children, Fernando, Jr., Maribel, and Carlos. From a young age, family was the cornerstone of her life, and she was very close to her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Wera enjoyed being the "Go-To" person when family and friends came to visit. She was always ready to drop what she was doing to help family and friends when needed. Wera enjoyed spending time with family, talking about the good old days and revisiting her many fond memories. She was raised as a faithful Catholic and when a family member was ill, or going through a difficult time, she was the first to light a candle and pray for them. As a mother, her dedication and love for her children never wavered. She was the biggest cheerleader for her children, nieces and nephews in any activity or sport they were involved in. She was also a volunteer in the Cub Scouts as a den mother, involved in the PTA, and was a volunteer at many fundraisers and events at church. After many years of working for Edinburg C.I.S.D, she retired and dedicated her time to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She could always be counted on to be at her family's important moments, milestones, and achievements. Most importantly, she was there for her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Grandma Wera, as she was affectionately known, was blessed to be present at the many birthday parties, recitals, concerts, and games they had. These important events were what she looked forward to most. Wera loved to share her wisdom, advice, experiences, and her family history. In 1992, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was in remission for over thirty years. After her long remission, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Wera fought the good fight with all she had so she could continue to be there for her family. But unfortunately, her body could not take it anymore. She is now rejoicing in Heaven with her parents, brothers, and all her beloved family members. Wera's spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all those she touched, but most especially in her grandchildren.
Wera is preceded in death by her parents, Narciso and Amelia Ramirez Serna; her two brothers, Juan Jose Serna, and Humberto Andres Serna.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Fernando G. De La Garza; her three children, Fernando G. De La Garza, Jr., Maribel McKinsey, and Carlos J. (Rebecca) De La Garza; six grandchildren, David Adam, Dante, Nathan, Lucas, Miranda, and Benjamin; two sisters, Rosa (Gustavo) Zapata and Maria Isabel Gonzalez; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Thursday June 8, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral Mass will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg.
Serving as pallbearers will be Fernando De La Garza, Jr., Carlos De La Garza, Dante De La Garza, Michael Ramirez, Justin Savage, and Jaime Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers are her oldest grandsons, David De La Garza and Nathan Torres, who are both on deployment overseas serving our country in the U.S. Army.
Lastly, we cannot begin to thank the wonderful earthly angels God sent to help us care for our mother; Letty Brambila Zavalza, Lucia Elizabeth Ayala, Lupita Coahizo, along with Nancy Dzorkpetey, Alicia Sepulveda, and Argelia Guerra from Selah Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in her name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) at www.ocrahope.org.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.