ANNA MARIA GARZA-FEGEL
Anna Maria Garza Fegel, aged 42, born May 30, 1981 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, left the physical earth and entered the spiritual and heavenly realm on December 6, 2023 in Lowell, Michigan, greeted joyously by her deeply missed sister, Kristina (Tina) Garza and her cherished grandma, Carole Fisher, whom both passed before her. Left to mourn her loss, is her doting husband of 14 years, James Fegel, her precious sons Maxxon, Cohen and Sebastian Fegel, her mother Sharon Garza, father Rodimiro (Belem) Garza, sister Elisa (Lisa) Garza, sister Marissa Beth Garza, and brother Joshua Garza.
Anna was not alone on her journey to the other side. Her sister, Jessica (Jessie) Garza, joined her that tragic day. She is also survived by her father and mother in law;,Dale (Darlene) Fegel, brother and sister in law Dale (Lauralee) Fegel Jr. and Daniel (Trudy) Fegel. Anna leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews, aunts (tia’s), uncles and cousins, all whom lives she touched and will feel her absence greatly. Her nieces, Isabelle and Piper, will particularly mourn her loss, as Anna called them the daughters she never had. Being the oldest of six kids, any visit to Anna’s childhood home, was met with lots of laughter, craziness, never-ending antics, but mostly, lots of love. Even though Anna was one of many in a large and extended family, she was instrumental in coordinating family gatherings, vacations, birthday parties, celebrations, “just because” parties, and remembrances, all with one purpose – to bring people together and make people feel special. Close friends and confidants were just as important to Anna as family was. Countless friends, past and present, are grateful to have known her and ache in her loss. Anna was more than just a good friend and family member, she was a listening ear, she’d give sound advice, go out of her way to brighten someone’s day, the “light” in any room she entered. She made herself available all hours of the night, and would give beyond measure, selflessly, to her friends and family, never expecting anything in return.
As sweet as she was, Anna had a fiery side that she wasn’t afraid to suppress, should the opportunity arise. So much so, it earned her the affectionate nickname, “A-Bomb,” from her husband, Jim. Besides living for family and friends, Anna was passionate about making art. To cope with the loss of her sister Tina, Anna turned to art and created cremation pendants for people grieving. In recent years, Anna was becoming a fixture in the Grand Rapids art and music scene. As an artist, she created paintings, glass pendants, plaques and jewelry. She was frequently scene-chatting amongst friends, meeting new ones, reconnecting with old ones, and famously dancing on the dance floor to her favorite DJ’s and songs. Music was an everyday fixture in Anna’s life and you’d often find her and Jim playing DJ in the living room, the kids dancing along gleefully. Anna enjoyed other activities, as well, like roller blading, late night strolls with Jim, shopping (she had impeccable taste), trips to Hobby Lobby for her latest creation or idea, talking on the phone (lots of talking), attending music festivals, spending moments of reflection and gratitude in her own backyard, kayaking the river with family and friends, and throwing the best parties.
Despite Anna being a talented artist, sympathetic friend, a caring aunt, loyal daughter, giving sister and loving wife, no title was more important to her than ‘mom’. Anna lived and breathed for her boys. She was a fantastic mom. Taking them on adventures to water parks, zoos, museums and air shows. She’d plan the best birthday parties for them, year after year. She flourished as a mom. Anna would’ve given everything she had if it meant having just one more day to spend with her boys. Nothing filled her heart more than watching them grow into the wonderful people they are becoming. They each brought her joy in their own unique way. Whether it was getting cozy under a blanket with Sebastian, having in-depth conversations with Cohen or beaming with pride watching Max play soccer, she was present and immersed in motherhood. For those that wish to honor Anna’s life and share in her memories, the family invites you to a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 19th, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, on the rooftop terrace of the Downtown Market, located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
