Celia De La Cruz

Celia (Celestina) Medina De La Cruz, 93, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, in Seguin, Texas, following a courageous battle with multiple health conditions. She was born on May 19, 1931, in Floresville, Texas, to Domingo and Antonia (Leal) Medina.

Celia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carlos De La Cruz; her parents, Domingo and Antonia Medina; her brother, Dr. Emilio Medina; her sisters, Tommy M. Weitzel, Aurelia Torres, Cruz Leal, Carmen Gutierrez, and Bernice Nieto; and her infant daughter, Mary.

A lifelong resident of Seguin, Celia graduated from Seguin High School in 1950 and initially worked as a photography spotter. She later embraced the role of a dedicated homemaker. As her children grew, Celia worked as a nurse’s aide and eventually as a case worker with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services until her retirement in September 1993. Following her retirement, Celia devoted herself to teaching catechism and preparing children for their First Communion at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where she was a lifelong and active member.

Celia’s life was marked by deep faith and love. She met her husband, Carlos De La Cruz, in 1953, and after a joyful courtship, they married on December 12, 1954, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together, they raised five children and shared many cherished years of love and partnership. Celia was a faithful member of her church, serving as a catechism teacher for first and second graders, including preparation of four of her own grandchildren, and a Eucharistic minister, distributing Holy Communion to nursing home residents.

Celia will be remembered for her unwavering love, generosity, and hardworking spirit. She faced many challenges with grace, including the loss of her father at the age of 15, which led her to work to support her family. Yet, her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she adored. Her love and care were felt deeply by all who knew her.

Celia was a nurturing soul, always finding time to care for her loved ones, whether by reading the Bible, offering guidance, or simply sharing her warmth and wisdom. Her devotion to her family and faith was a beacon of love, and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her children:

• - Sons: Andrew De La Cruz (Karen) of San Antonio, and Carlos De La Cruz Jr. (Cyndi) of Seguin
• - Daughters: Elva Karabiyik (Ugur) of Tampa, FL, Clara Watral (David) of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and Debbie De La Cruz Vigil of Seguin 
• - Stepdaughter: Teresa De La Cruz
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She is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Adrian De La Cruz, Ciara De La Cruz, Sabrina De La Cruz, Wyndi De La Cruz, Alison McShane, Andrea Riley, David Jr. Watral, Diana Turgut, Julio Carlos Rivera, Ugur Karabiyik, Ibrahim Karabiyik, Lucinda Vigil, Allie Vigil Moore, Andrea De La Cruz-White, Aaron De La Cruz, Chris De La Cruz, and step-grandson, Xavier Ricardo De La Cruz; as well as 19 great-grandchildren: Ariann Milan, Mateo Moore, Diego Moore, Zoe Moore, Kenan Julio Turgut, Darien De La Cruz, Lucas Riley, Alaina Riley, Eva Riley, Madeline Riley, Nicholas Riley, Jack McShane, Norah McShane, Charlie McShane, Harry McShane, Oliver McShane, Rosario McShane, Jibreel Julio Rivera-Oweis, and Musa Julio Rivera-Oweis.

She is also survived by her sister Mary Caro, her sister-in-law, Melba Medina, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Palmer Mortuary on Wednesday December 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (409 W. Krezdorn St., Seguin, TX 78155) on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Celia will be laid to rest alongside her loving husband, Carlos De La Cruz, at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park (2951 S. State Hwy 46, New Braunfels, TX 78130).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.