Diana Garcia Gonzalez

Diana Garcia Gonzalez, 68, of Donna, Texas, passed away on November 28, 2024 at Valley Baptist Medical Center. Born on December 7, 1955, in Donna, she lived a life marked by unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community.

As a young woman, she worked at HEB as a teenager, saving enough to buy her first car, a Pontiac GTO. Diana graduated from Donna High School in 1974. She met her future husband, Juan Gonzalez, soon after graduation. They were introduced to each other by family and friends and married on December 4, 1976, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Donna. 

Diana dedicated a significant portion of her professional life to education, working for Donna ISD from 1974 to 2006. Later, she extended her compassion and commitment as a caregiver and volunteer coordinator at Aurora House Foundation from 2009 until her retirement in 2022. Her nurturing spirit was felt deeply by colleagues and the many lives she touched during her years of service.

Education was a cornerstone of Diana's life, and she demonstrated its importance to her children by pursuing her own studies at the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas Vocational Technical Institute for Medical Administration later in life while raising her children. 

Most important to Diana was her faith and the promise of everlasting life. Diana was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Donna, where she passionately supported various religious events throughout the year. Her strong faith and community involvement reflected her loving and caring nature, characteristics that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Family meant the world to Diana. She was a dedicated mother, teaching her son to play basketball and tossing the football around with him to help prepare for team tryouts. Her commitment transcended not just her children; she provided for her grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, ensuring everyone felt her warmth and support. Diana was part of the Quarterback Club and served as the Vice President of the Band Booster during the 1993-1994 school year, providing steadfast encouragement as her daughter pursued her passion for music in the band at Donna High School.

Diana cherished numerous memories spent with friends and loved ones. She enjoyed traveling across the United States and Mexico, spending sunny days at the beach, relishing coconut shrimp at Wanna Wanna, and sharing moments playing slot machines with her sister-in-law, Anita. In addition, she delighted in the simple pleasures of dancing, savoring a nice glass of wine, and cheering on the Cowboys during their games.

Above all, Diana was an amazing daughter. She dedicated herself to caring for her mother until the very end, embodying the love and resilience that defined her life.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents, Narciso E. Garcia and Gloria Pantoja and her brothers, Raul Garcia and Reynaldo Garcia, and her faithful companion, Flash, who never left her side until the day he passed away. 

She is survived by her daughter, Marisela Gonzales (Eloy); son, Chuck Gonzalez (Ellyn); two grandchildren she adored, Logan James Gonzalez and Travis Robert Gonzalez; her sister-in-law, who was always as close as a sister, Anita Garcia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Diana Garcia Gonzalez leaves a legacy of love, nurturing, and strength. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be available on December 2, 2024, at McCaleb Funeral Home from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass will take place on December 3, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Donna at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes.