Lidia Garza Gongora

Lidia Garza Gongora, 91, of Kenner, Louisiana, peacefully died on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with her loving children at her bedside. Lidia was born in 1933 in Matamoros, Mexico, to Guadalupe and Francisca Garza. She grew up in Matamoros, Mexico, with her 6 brothers, Conception, Irineo, Francisco, Guillermo, Gil, and Federico Garza on her family ranch, La Tijerita. She met the love of her life and best friend, Guadalupe “Lupe” Gongora when she was 17. They would be married for over 55 years, until he predeceased her in 2007. Together they worked hard to provide themselves and their children a better life. She had three children who were her biggest blessings and supported her until her last breath. Miguel Angel (Maritza) Gongora, Maria Elena (Humberto) Hidalgo, and Rodrigo (Linda) Gongora lived their whole lives knowing they had their mother to watch over them, though in many ways it was they who were taking care of their mother. They now transition to a new life knowing that her spirit is reunited with her beloved Lupe and together their parents continue to watch over them. In 1967, Lidia moved with her family to Kenner, Louisiana, and lived on 21st street almost the entire time. The walls of her family home would tell stories of a strong woman who fed, clothed, housed, and nurtured three generations after her. She has 8 grandchildren who made her smile with pride: Marisol Gongora, Victoria (Brandon) Hidalgo-Drum, Marianela Mikhal (Omar) Abou-Sayed, Monica (Tracy) Gordon, Elizabeth (John) King, Rodrigo (Sara) Gongora, Humberto (Laura) Hidalgo, and Manuel (Breana) Hidalgo. Even though she did not have the privilege to complete her education, one of her greatest prides was that all of her grandchildren attended college and almost all have one or more degrees. She was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren, but it was her best great grand-buddy, Antonio, who gave her a will to wake up in the mornings and enjoy her days more than she ever thought possible. Lidia lived 91 years and she will be missed today, tomorrow, and forever. After her cremation, her ashes will be laid in Matamoros, Mexico, at her family ranch, La Tijerita, where she will lie with generations of her loved ones before her, especially Lupe. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation and Funeral Service on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at L. A. Muhleisen and Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m.

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Lidia Garza Gongora

August 9, 1933 - August 17, 2024