Rebecca “Becky” Garza Moreira, 82, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, April 21, 2015, in her home. Rebecca or “Becky” as she liked to be called had an amazing full life. Born in Galveston to a loving and united family of three sisters and four brothers, all raised in Beaumont - The Garza Family.
At the early age of 21, she fell in love with the Brazilian tennis player- Ronald Vaz Moreira and soon after their marriage went out to the first of so many international travels. Even though Becky didn't speak a word of Portuguese, she was quick to conquer a network of close friends that lasted a life time.
The prime of Becky's life was the birth of her three children, Ronnie, Gina and Mary. She was devoted to them and disciplined them with her values: strong Catholic upbringing, importance of education, work ethics, health consciousness, and community involvement.
PERSONALITY Becky was extremely energetic, always on the go. Dancing was her passion, a true twinkle toe. She rarely missed Sunday at the singles. To Becky, singing was praying twice. She was an active member of St Antony Cathedral Basilica Choir.
Lamar University took a big role in Becky's life and her passion. Not only did she meet her husband there but after returning to Beaumont, she returned to make her professional life within Lamar's staff members. This year, Rebecca completed twenty-five years of good services. She barely missed a day’s work for sick leave and was extremely proud to be the founder of Lamar's recycling consciousness.
Becky was active to go save the world, one plastic bottle at a time!!!
TRAVELS Becky was a world traveler; she has traveled South, Central, and North America, Europe, and Africa. Becky has ridden a camel in Cairo; she’s gone snorkeling in Roatan; attended a carnival in Rio de Janeiro; and has gone skiing in Toronto. Becky has also gone on a Gondola ride in Venice; attended a Broadway show in New York; has eaten Fettuccine Alfredo in Rome; and has wined and dined in Paris. Becky also visited the Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, the second most visited Catholic shrine in the world.
Becky would often ask “How many people can say that they have met three of our Popes in a lifetime?” With a huge SMILE that she always carried, Becky would respond, “I have!” She even had a private audience one of the Popes! This was undoubtedly the highlight of all her travels. Then she returned home, after having lived thirty-five years in Rio De Janeiro.
FAITH
Becky's devotion and faith to GOD, and the example set on daily Mass and constant prayers, are the MOST valuable inheritance that she left for her FAMILY. Becky found in Louis DiStefano, her companion for twenty years, the perfect partner with whom they increased their Relationship with God.
At the age of 82, Becky was diagnosed with an illness that would take her from us in one month’s time. She smiled her last thirty days as she had the last 82 years without one word of complaint or despair. When the doctor diagnosed her condition as terminal, her reaction was to SMILE and say, “I'm ready to go dance with Jesus”.
Becky is survived by her children, Ronnie and his wife, Gabriela; Gina and her husband, Bernardo; and Mary and her husband, Juca; grandchildren, Pierre and Rebecca, Luiza, Enrique, Carolina, Catharina, Elisa, and Pedro; great-grandchildren, Antonio “Tony” and Alberto “Al”; and siblings, Joe, Gilbert, Theresa, David, and Mary.
A Rosary will be recited for Mrs. Moreira at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2015, with a gathering of her family and friends to follow, at Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin Avenue,Beaumont. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 23, 2015, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson, Beaumont. Her committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Becky’s three children; Ronnie, Gina, and Mary, Louis DiStefano, and her siblings; Joe, Gilbert, Theresa, David, and Mary, would like to invite you to all of the celebrations.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, P.O. Box 3309, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
