Obituary of Celestina "Sally" Vasquez Garza

Our beloved Celestina "Sally" Vasquez Garza, age 99, was called to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 21, 2021. 

She was barely five feet tall and although she looked slight Celestina Vasquez Garza known to her family and friends only as “Sally” exuded an enormous presence and personality.  She lived through the Great Depression and after that there was the two World Wars, life without television, cell phones or even phones in every home. When she was born in Neiderwald, Texas on April 6,1922. the main mode of transportation was the horse or model T, that was invented just a decade before her birth. She lived to witness a man on the moon and commercial space travel.

From a young age, she helped with the farm, picking cotton, and performing the many duties, required in the 20’s and 30’s during the depression.  At the age of 12 Sally taught herself to sew after tearing a dress, and became an accomplished seamstress – never using patterns, but sewing everything from dress clothes to wedding dresses. You never knew what endurance and perseverance were until attempting to work alongside her when she made tamales for hours on end. Sally had a green thumb, could grow just about anything, and enjoyed spending time in her garden. She became an accomplished cook, but never used recipes instead relying on her memory.

Sally was God fearing, a devote Catholic, and prayed the rosary every night, as is reflected in Corinthians, and in her life, she embraced her hardships, persecutions, weaknesses, and troubles that they were only intended as tests for her faith and to strengthen her bond with God’s love.

Despite her limitations, Sally raised 7 successful, remarkable, and faithful children. She instilled great character in her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, who were all her pride and joy and revered her. She was fiercely independent and made an impression on everyone she met.

On her 90^th Birthday, she was honored with the Yellow Rose of Texas Certificate, by then Governor Rick Perry. Sally lived a very full and happy life and was called to the place the lord had prepared for her and given her angel wings on November 21^st; just four and a half months short of her 100^th birthday. We will miss her dearly but rejoice in knowing she is reunited with her daughter Liz, her grandson Joey and great grand-daughter Angela. We receive solace in the words from John 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you.  I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am.”  May you rest in eternal peace Mother!

Sally is preceded in death by her Daughter Elizabeth Hernandez, Her Grandson Joey Cancino, her great-granddaughter Angela Hernandez; and is survived by her daughters Mary Salazar (Ray), Janie Oshiro (Henry), Lydia Gamez, Toni Davila (Leonard), Marty Rivera (Phillip) and son Richard Vasquez (Maria). 15 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren

The family would like to especially thank the staff of the 200 Hall at Onion Creek Rehabilitation Facility, as well as, all of the Rehab Staff, for their patience and compassion.  A special thanks to Norma Lightener, her roommate of 5 years.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a liturgy of the word beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel, 6204 S. 1st St. Ausitn, Texas 78745.

Due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

We politely request the continued use of face coverings in an effort to

help protect our community.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.