Mary Garcia Gonzales, 66, of Bay City, Texas, passed away July 19, 2024, surrounded by her family's love. She was born May 4, 1958, to Ruben Garcia Sr. and Cristina Muniz Garcia. Up until the end, Mary maintained her kindness, grace, faith in God, love and appreciation of family and friends, and compassion. She was a devout Catholic and lifetime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and active in the ACTS community.

She was an incredible cook and hostess, as she never shied away from trying new recipes as she entertained guests, or as she perfected recipes that were handed down from her mother. She was the heart of the home, and always made everyone feel welcomed.

Mary worked at Head Start for over 20 years as Parent Enrollment Coordinator. Mary's nurturing spirit not only guided her own children, but also her friends' children who she cared for in her home and was fondly known as Ms. Mary.

Mary will be missed dearly by her husband of 47 years, Joe Louis Gonzales of Bay City, and her children, Leticia (Gonzales) Acosta and son-in-law Armando Acosta of Austin, Teresa Gonzales and partner Charlie Davalos of Austin, Gregory Gonzales and daughter-in-law Shelby (Garza) Gonzales of Bay City, and grandchildren Isabella Acosta, Ryan Acosta, and Serena Gonzales. She is survived by her sister Dr. Ana Garcia Peña of Fulshear; brothers Ruben Garcia of Austin and David Garcia of Houston; sisters-in-law Sarah Gutierrez of Sweeny, Frances Gonzalez of Dickinson, Susie DeLeon of Bay City, Mary E. Gonzalez of Houston; and brothers-in-law Daniel Peña of Fulshear, Dennis Cannon of Houston, Thomas Davila of Sulphur, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

God called Mary, as she was tired and in pain after her yearlong battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Joseph Robert Gonzales, sister-in-law Vera Gonzalez and brother-in-law Juan A. Gonzalez.

The Holy Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM followed by the funeral mass at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City, Texas.