Obituary of Marie Adele De La Garza

Retired elementary school teacher Marie de la Garza’s left this world too soon but her love of life didn’t come to an end with her death. Marie passed away on December 22, 2023, 64, surrounded by family who loved her and who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. She will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, selflessness, and ability to help children see their future potential.

Marie completed her Bachelor’s degree at Northern Arizona University. Marie’s pride was to teach and shared her passion for learning with hundreds of children over the years. Teaching was very important to Marie, she taught for 30 years in the Tempe Elementary and Tolleson Elementary School Districts starting as a teacher’s aide and pursuing her degree and teaching fourth grade in PH Gonzales Elementary. Through her lessons, Marie empowered her students to believe they could accomplish anything and pursue their dreams.

Marie enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, one of her favorite trips was to Hawaii. She swam with sea turtles which had been a dream of hers.

Survived by her brothers and sisters who loved her very much Anthony, Natan, Gilda, and Gigi will always remember their sister as a woman who would do anything for them. She was a strong believer in family unity.

“Tia” to Allen, Teadora, Graciela and Bradford she would treat them like her own children attending performances, concerts and sporting events. She always encouraged her nieces and nephews to spread their wings and fly. Be the best person you can be and believe that you can do anything.

Her father Melecio, mother Graciela, grandparents Adela Torrez, Espiridion Gutierrez, Maria de la Garza and Melecio de la Garza precede Marie in death. She is survived by her sisters Gilda (Jeremy), Gigi (Brad) and her brothers Anthony, Natan (Paul) her four nieces and nephews Allen, Teadora, Graciela, Bradford and many Tios, Tias and cousins.

Marie will be missed dearly. She brought us joy, she taught us well and she encouraged us to believe in the possiblitites.

Marie has requested no services. The family request donations may be offered to Hospice of the Valley, in lieu of flowers or a non-kill animal shelter.