Maria was a resident of Atwater for 15 years. She taught criminal psychology at Stanislaus state for 7 years. She and her husband retired Air Force Master Sergeant Rudy Garcia were dedicated choir directors at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Atwater for ten years.
Maria is survived by her loving husband Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Rudy Garcia of Modesto, daughter Marisa Ponce – Gomez of Atwater, son-in-law Larry Gomez of Atwater, daughter Aurora Paloma Garcia of Modesto, stepson Wyatt Garcia of Atwater and stepdaughter Tracy DelaCerda of Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents Carlos and Celia Martinez.
Maria loved her family wholeheartedly and was very proud of her granddaughter Alexis Ponce and grandson Jonathan Garcia. It was Maria’s wishes that her children, grandchildren and husband knew how much she loved them and how proud she was of them and all of their accomplishments.
