Beloved Assistant Principal Passes Away In Car Crash

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

June 17, 2018

By Jennifer Skelton

Susie Garza, Assistant Principal at West Memorial Junior High in Katy ISD, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in New Mexico during her return from a family vacation.

(Photo from West Memorial Junior High in November 2017)

On Thursday morning, June 14, while on the way back to Houston, the family's car was rear-ended at a high rate of speed in New Mexico. Ms. Garza did not survive the accident. Her daughter, Andrea, who was with her at the time, was air-lifted to the hospital and is expected to survive. Garza's other daughter, Analicia "Ana", is by her sister's side as she recovers.

The family had been on a road trip vacation that began June 2, 2018. Garza and her family visited national parks and other landmarks in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Canada and California.

Words From The Family

Part of the official statement from her daughters, Ana and Andrea reads:

"Susie had such a passion for people. She loved her work in education, which she began at the age of 21. She would often tell her family that she would do whatever it took to help her students succeed. It was that kind of determination and dedication that she carried with her throughout her entire career.

She had an infectious sense of humor and positivity. Her desire to help others was the guiding force in her life. Her dedication to her students allowed her to change and impact so many lives.

She was such a loving and generous person, a trait she instilled in her children. Susie also instilled in them the desire to serve their community. She always pushed us to achieve our highest potential and encouraged us at every turn.

She was the very best mother and she is and will be remembered for her unwavering love. She loved each of her friends and family fiercely. She always saw the best in people.

It is our hope, as her children, that each of us remember her for her love and try to see the best in others, as she did."

(Photo from the Garza vacation in Seven Falls, Colorado)

A Longtime Katy Educator

Garza began her career in Katy ISD in 1996 as an ESL teacher at Mayde Creek High School. In 1997, she was promoted to Assistant Principal and has worked at Katy High, Cardiff Junior High and West Memorial Junior High, where she currently worked at the time of her passing.

A Heartbroken Community

As word broke of her passing, tributes began pouring in on social media.

Sharice Wasson-Irons wrote, "My heart is completely broken! What a huge huge loss. Our WMJH family will miss her dearly!!!"

Samantha Decker Ridenhour wrote, "Susie was an amazing AP and an even better person. Praying for comfort for the family."

Heather Jones wrote, "Mrs. Garza was an amazing AP, she helped my son navigate Jr. High. She genuinely cared about her students. She was an asset to Katy, and West Memorial. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family."

Katy ISD and West Memorial Junior High have truly lost a loving educator and leader.

Service information will be updated here at a later date.

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