Bertha Galarza

Mrs. Bertha Avila Galarza, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 8, 2020 with her family by her side.

Bertha was born on August 3, 1950, in Mexico City D.F., a daughter of the late Juan Avila Munoz Sr and Carmen Sanchez Patino de Avila. She was the wife of the late Genaro H. Galarza Jr whom she married on May 19, 1998 and lost after twenty-one years of marriage in January 2019. Bertha worked at Austin Independent School District for 30 years until she retired in May 2007.

A loving mother and grandmother, Bertha was caring person who devoted her life to her family and treasured her time with her friends. She had a warm heart and wanted to help others if she could. Bertha always gave encouraging words to family and friends as her way in helping their situation. She enjoyed going to dances with her husband and listening to romantic boleros. She also loved to watch novelas and listening to La Mano Peluda radio program. Bertha will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Bertha is preceded by her late husband Genaro H. Galarza Jr., brother Ignacio Avila Sanchez, and niece, Patricia “Pati” Avila.

She is survived by her three sons from Austin, Texas, Ricardo Martinez with wife, Irma V. Martinez; Sergio A. Guerrero; and Ramon A. Guerrero; and her only grandson, Jaxon L. Martinez of Austin, Texas. Including her three brothers, Jesus E. Avila Sanchez, Luis Manuel Avila Sanchez and Cayetano Avila Sanchez of Mexico City and her three sisters, Guadalupe Avila Sanchez, Maria de Lourdes Avila Sanchez, and Maria Magdalena Avila Sanchez of Mexico City; including several nieces and nephews in Mexico City and Austin, Texas.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation and rosary on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Puente & Sons Funeral Chapel, 14315 Judson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233. Burial services will be held on Monday, November 23rd for the immediate family at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by visiting www.puentesandsons.com. After the Covid-19 Pandemic, the family hopes to hold another celebration of Bertha's life in the Spring.

Mi Mamá,

I'm writing you a letter for the first time in my life, because I've never had a reason to in the past. You have always been around us, tus hijos- Ricardo, Ramon, and me, Sergio. We've never been far apart and you would make a point to call us every day.

Mamá, you are the most beautiful, caring, loving, and toughest mom ever. When we were feeling down in life, you could sense our energy and asked, “what’s wrong, mijo-que te pasa, mijo?" You immediately felt and absorbed our sorrows as if they were your own. You wouldn't hold back any emotion and honesty. You made us realize our mistakes and helped us work through our disappointments.

"No te des por vencido, siga Adelante, mijo."
“Never give up trying, onward my son”

Your words of encouragement to us, your voice, so sweet and compassionate will be heard forever in our hearts. We hear your voice whenever we are in doubt. I can hear your soothing voice of encouragement so clearly; it is difficult to accept that you have passed on. Even now, as I am sitting at the kitchen table, I cannot stop the rush of memories that come to my mind. I can see you doing the small everyday task like sorting through the mail or preparing your vitamins and medications. It’s memories like these that I will cherish forever.

But this time I wish you were here with us. This has been the most difficult and painful time ever in our lives.

At the hospital, we stood by your side in confusion and disbelief. Holding your hands and brushing your hair slowly with our fingers. I leaned over repeatedly whispering in your ear, "aqui estamos todos contigo, mama. Ricardo, Ramon y yo, Sergio. Te queremos mucho, mama "

You opened your eyes ever so slightly and nodded, then you closed them for the last time.

Your loving sons - Ricardo, Ramon and Sergio-shared your last breath on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at 11:40 a.m.

There is so much more I want to write but for now, we want you to rest, mom. Descansa ahora. We know you’re in heaven with our Lord and reunited with Henry.

Te queremos y te extrañamos mucho mom y vamos a seguir adelante como tu querias que hacieramos en nuestra vida.

Siempre tu hijos,

Sergio, Ricardo y Ramon