Maria Carmen Galarza, 79, surrounded by her loving family, gently slipped into her final goodnight on January 7, 2012. She is preceded in death by her husband, Pedro Galarza; her son Jose Galarza and his wife Macaria Galarza; and one grandson, Joe Galarza Jr. Carmen, as she was known to her friends and family, was the widow of the late Pedro Galarza, a Laureles, Texas pioneer farmer. She was a long-time member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Los Fresnos, Texas and remained faithful until her death. She is survived by her children: Jesus (Rosalinda Amaro) Galarza, Martha (Gustavo Garza) Galarza, Jorge (Janice) Metsker Galarza, Joel Galarza, and John Galarza; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 9, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm, at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. Mass of Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Los Fresnos, Texas. Committal service will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas. Serving as pallbearers are Roldan Martinez, Orlan Martinez, Robert John Martinez, Shelby L. Galarza, David Galarza, and Carlos Galarza. Honorary Pallbearers are her great grandson Adrian Martinez and her granddaughters Madison and Dawniele Metsker Galarza. Words of Comfort can be sent to the family of Maria C. Galarza at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.