Doni Johnson
I know Elisa as a friend, a neighbor, and a fellow Dance Mom. I treasure the time we spent together watching our girls dance. Those years hold such precious memories and I'm so grateful that dance brought us together.
Death date: Oct 17, 2025
Obituary of Elisa Ann Garza-Leal Please share a memory of Elisa to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. View Tribute Book With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of Elisa A. Garza-Leal, who left this wor Read Obituary
I know Elisa as a friend, a neighbor, and a fellow Dance Mom. I treasure the time we spent together watching our girls dance. Those years hold such precious memories and I'm so grateful that dance brought us together.
Elisa “Lisa”
She was the oldest of us three. Hence, she did everything first. First to smile, to talk, to crawl, to stand, to walk, to run…… you get the picture. She was also then the responsible one, responsible to help feed me, play with me, teach me to color, teach me the ABC’s, numbers, and to write. You can say I was her first student. Lisa made sure I learned her way; which included changing me from left- handed to right-handed; because she was right-handed and it was the right way in her mind. I remember that she always had a book with her and would recommend/ tell us what books we should read when we were younger.
Education was the stressed in our house. Being the oldest and being in Alief (a small community in the 1970’s) she excelled and we the younger swam in her wake. She showed us that it was possible to go to college and be successful. We again waded in her wake earning our degrees. Her to English and Poetry, me to Engineering, Marcus to Art. She led the way becoming an author and sharing our families and her experiences with others.
I will leave you with these thoughts…
Long after the colors fade and the buildings crumble her written word will live on.
I think in numbers: I was born on October 25, 1970, close to 9 in the morning.
For 54 years, 11 months, 23 days, she was in my Life.
You fought the good fight; you needed to close your eyes. I know your soul lives on.
Rest until it is time to Rise.
Q: What was one of the qualities of Elisa that you loved most?
A: I met Elisa through the Memorial Herman breast cancer support group. She was a very sweet, kind, loving soul. I appreciated her beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed! my heart and prayers go out to her family and all who have been impacted by her spirit. God bless. Victoria
My experience with Elisa through the workshop has truly transformed me into a person who is more intentional, intentional with my words, my time, my energy, my perspective, my approach, and the mark I leave on those I encounter. I find myself more in tune with nature, my surroundings, and the simple yet powerful moments, my children’s laughter, the strength of my community, and the peace found in spaces like church, home, and among friends. Each environment now holds its own sacred value, allowing me to be fully present and strengthened within that space without overlap or distraction. For this growth, I am deeply grateful.
This workshop has also taught me to be more thoughtful and appropriate in my conversations, especially when supporting individuals who are experiencing hardship, whether due to health challenges or other struggles. I think of Elisa, who never wanted pity nor sought to be the center of attention. Her humility and selflessness were profound; she made sure to truly listen to others, rather than filling the space with her own pain or story. Her grace and compassion remain an example to us all.
Moving forward, I pray that through this platform and in my professional endeavors, I can continue to share her work and spirit. My hope is to highlight Elisa’s impact in a broader and more meaningful way so that countless others may be inspired and encouraged just as we have been.
Dana
Creative Writing Workshop - Memorial Hermann
Lindig Family Cancer Resource Center
Luis, Paloma and Nayeli - We are so sorry for your loss Elisa was truly amazing and will be dearly missed. We will continue to keep you in our prayers
Certainly a committed wife, loving mother & accomplished poet. But, for me, she was a cousin & friend in the early years of our childhood. Alongside her brothers, we played together, ate "pappaitas" together, got dirty & dusty at abuela's house together & got yelled together. And, I am pretty sure we had a love for Star Wars together. Of course, she was always Princess Leia! But, most of all, we grew our faith, our resolve, our families & our lives.Together and independently. But the those forming years laid the foundation of what we became & who she is as a person, a wife, mother, a poet, a cousin and a friend.I am thankful for that. So, Elisa will always have a place in my heart & I will carry those fond memories for the rest of my life. I regret I cannot attend the service personally, but I will be there in spirit, alongside my wife, Danielle. God has blessed Elisa with a place in Heaven & I wish those affected by this loss peace & comfort. With Love & Regard, Derrick & Danielle
Q: How did you meet Elisa?
A: I am an Oncology Nurse Navigator at Memorial Hermann who co lead Breast cancer support group.
I met Elisa through an online breast cancer support group with Memorial Hermann. She was a truly beautiful person inside and out. Her poems were both intentional and deeply inspirational, touching the hearts of everyone who read them.
Even as her cancer progressed, Elisa radiated strength and determination through her words. She was a fighter, and her spirit shone brightly in everything she shared. Elisa’s courage and kindness left a lasting impact on all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.
Elisa was truly a blessing. Her memory, and poems, live on all of us who loved her. Sending love and prayers to you during this difficult time
Your light lives on in the hearts of those you touched. May you rest in eternal peace.
My deepest condolences for her loss. It is my hope you can find peace through her memories and her writing.