Heaven has gained our most beloved blessing. On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Erna De La Garza Gonzalez, the cherished matriarch of our family was called home to be with our Lord at the blessed age of 91. She was born July 29, 1932, in Poteet, TX to Daniel and Guadalupe Corrales De La Garza.

Erna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raul Gonzalez, and sons Roy and Hector Gonzalez. She is survived by her daughters Judy Gonzalez Martinez (Ylario Ruiz) and Mary Helen Gonzalez; grandchildren Jimmy Martinez (Anna), Mark Martinez, Felissa Cortez (Daniel), Angelica Vela (Rene Jr.), Hector Gonzalez, Jr., Amanda Gonzalez, Javier Gonzalez, Veronica Gonzalez, Raul Gonzalez and Rudy Gonzalez. She is also survived by her siblings Amelia Alvarado and Guadalupe De La Garza. Erna leaves behind 5 generations of family, including 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, as well as a countless number of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Erna was a proud 9th generation Texan, her ancestors were among the original inhabitants from the Canary Islands in the 1700's, contributing to the foundation of what is now San Antonio. Being born during the Great Depression, she was taught many principles such as efficiency, loyalty and thriftiness. Her upbringing instilled a sense of family values, preparing her to be a woman whose grace, love, and laughter enriched many lives in countless ways.

Living through periods of monumental change, Erna always turned to her faith and found solace in the embrace of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Her unwavering prayer and devotion gave her strength to carry on, placing her trust in God's plan, even when faced with the unimaginable.

Her dignity, peace, and kindness were a testament to a life well-lived. Erna possessed an exceptional sense of goodness and an unparalleled ability to love, leaving an irreplaceable void that today we struggle to comprehend. We shall carry her love within us, and though the pain is sharp, we will strive to honor her by living our lives with the same love, faith, and strength that she showed us.