Irma Garza's Obituary
Irma Garza passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the age of 90 in Walnut Creek, California.
Born in Mission, Texas, to Eleuterio and Dorotea, Irma was the fourth of five children. While in high school, she attended a dance with friends where she first met Zaragoza, the young man who would become her devoted husband and lifelong dance partner. Their love endured for 63 years of marriage.
Shortly after starting their family, Zaragoza’s brother shared news of job opportunities with the Ford Motor Company, prompting Irma and Zaragoza to relocate to Detroit, Michigan in the early 1950s. Zaragoza worked on the Ford assembly line while Irma was employed at a local chemical factory. Together they raised four children in a small apartment, building a life grounded in hard work, resilience, and devotion to family.
In 1966, they purchased a brand-new home in Southgate, Michigan, where they created decades of memories. After many years, both Irma and Zaragoza retired there before eventually moving to California in 2007.
Irma is survived by her brother Oscar; her four children; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her two sisters, and her older brother.
There will be a memorial service on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Family and friends will enjoy light refreshments after the service on the premises.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in memory of Irma and her lifelong love of cats to Toni’s Kitty Rescue at https://toniskittyrescue.org/donate/
Irma will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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