Sofia G. Canales

Sofia Garza Canales was accepted home by Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, early Thursday morning, September 2nd, 2010 at the Renaissance Hospital. Mrs. Canales was born in Mission, TX on August 11, 1921 to Alfredo and Beatriz Chapa Garza. She spent her early childhood in Mission but moved with her family to Edinburg, Texas and graduated from Edinburg High School in 1940.   She married the love of her life Marcos Canales on August 27, 1947   and resided in Edinburg for most of her adult life. She was employed by the Hidalgo County Tax Office for 35 years. Mrs. Canales was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish, St. Joseph’s Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters of The Americas’. She was preceded in death by her husband Marcus Canales on October 12, 1984, her brother, Alfredo Garza and her sisters, Blasita Califa, Gloria Saca and Beatriz Flores.  At the time of her death Mrs. Canales was the last surviving member of the Garza Family.
Sofia Canales was a kind and loving mother, wife, sister, aunt and grandmother whose family was the center of her universe. She relished in actively participating in all aspects of her family’s well-being.  She especially loved watching her grandchildren as they participated in various activities as they were growing-up.  She was their No. 1 fan. Her nurturing spirit provided comfort in times of need and her optimistic outlook and courage instilled upon her children and grand-children the necessary framework to meet their challenges head on and forge though life with courage, grace and dignity.
Mrs. Canales celebrated the joy of living 89 full and rich years. Most recently she shared with her family that death did not frighten her and she was, in fact, prepared for her “long journey” home. She commented that she found solace in the thought of reuniting with her adoring husband, Marcos, her loving parents, and her beloved brother and sisters.
This poem so eloquently illustrates the sentiments of her last wishes.
“To Those I Love And To Those Who Love Me”
When I’m gone,
Release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears;
Be happy we had so many years.
I give you my love,
You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love
You have shown me;
But now it’s time I travel alone
So grieve a while for me,
If grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we much part,
So bless the memories within our heart.
I won’t be far away for life goes on.
So if you listen with your heart,
You’ll hear
All my love around you,
Soft and clear.
And when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a Smile,
And “Welcome Home”.

Mrs. Marcos Canales is survived by her son Jerry (Blanca) Canales, her daughter Yolanda (Richard) Alamia, and her grandchildren Ricky Alamia and Gina Alamia and Marcus (Jennifer) Canales and Kelly Canales and several nieces and nephews.  The family would like to extend a heart filled thank you to Dr. Humberto Tijerina, Sister Therese Ridge, the emergency and critical care staff and the staff of the second floor Mid Tower at Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance for the care and compassion they shared with our Mother and Grandmother during her last illness.  They would like to thank her home caregivers, the staff at With Open Arms Healthcare, Santiago, Mari, and Clarissa and Rosie, Martita and Nena.
The Canales family will receive friends today; September 03, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace at Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home in Edinburg. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow to Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen, TX.  Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers; Ricky Alamia, Marcus Canales, Alfredo Garza, Jr., Max Ceballos, Hector Pulido and James Feicht.  Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Gina Alamia, Kelly Canales, and Jennifer Canales.  In lieu of flowers, the Canales family wishes that donations be made to either the St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund or the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund.  Funeral services have been entrusted to Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Diaz in Edinburg.

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