Our dearest Guadalupe “Lupita” Garza Pérez, devoted wife, loving mother, and proud Nana, was called home to receive her heavenly angel wings on February 4, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on January 21, 1944, in Harlingen, Texas, Lupita was blessed to share 58 wonderful years of marriage with her loving husband and best friend, Daniel. Together they built a life rooted in faith, laughter, and enduring love. After settling in Katy, Texas, in 1978, she devoted her working years to caring for generations of students as a cherished cafeteria lady and school bus driver for the Katy Independent School District, retiring in 2014.
Lupita will be remembered for her gentle spirit and selfless heart. Her presence was a source of comfort and strength, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She had a true passion for serving God and caring for others, never missing an opportunity to offer a prayer or a hug. Her friendly disposition and ever-present smile radiated warmth and made everyone around her feel welcome.
She loved cooking and was especially famous for her “secret recipe” red and green salsas, which she generously shared with friends and lucky visitors. She adored fashion and took great joy in always looking stylish and radiant. Above all, the greatest joy of her life was her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her world and the legacy she cherished most.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Daniel Pérez, Sr.; children Christy Rodriguez and husband Earnest, Daniel Pérez, Jr. and partner Shawn Smith, and Tricia Pérez; grandchildren Christopher Rodriguez, Anthony Lewis, Mariah Lewis, Timothy Lewis, Lauren Rodriguez, and Aiden Smith-Pérez; great-grandchildren Sebastian Lewis, Ayva Lewis, and Sky Lewis; brother David Garza; sister Minnie Castro; and numerous in-loves, nieces, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Amador and Alejandra Garza; parents-in-love, Genaro and Isabel Pérez; brother Rolando Garza; and sisters-in-love Belle Jaeger and Lucy Pérez.
A viewing will be held on February 14, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Leal Funeral Home, located at 11123 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. A pastoral prayer and message will be offered at 5:00 p.m.
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My Angel in heaven ❤️🙏🏼 We miss you Momma
I will miss you nana❤️
My beautiful mamita, I will miss you forever but I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace, reunited with our loved ones and resting in the arms of our Savior. Please watch over us just like you did here and send us lots of your great warm hugs always. I love you so much!!
Until I see you again,
Your mija Christy
I am so grateful and blessed to have had you in my life, Tia. You were the most beautiful example of unconditional love. Every time you saw someone, your whole face would light up, and you gave the kind of hugs that wrapped you in warmth, comfort, and pure love. Your heart was truly one of the most beautiful I’ve ever known. Thank you for loving so freely and so deeply. I will carry that love with me always. I know you are with Jesus now, whole and at peace. Love you always Tia.
I am so grateful and blessed to have had you in my life Tia. You were the most beautiful example of unconditional love. Every time you saw someone, your whole face would light up, and you gave the kind of hugs that wrapped you in warmth, comfort, and pure love. Your heart was truly one of the most beautiful I’ve ever known. Thank you for loving so freely and so deeply. I will carry that love with me always. I know you are with Jesus now, whole and at peace. Love you Tia.