She was born in Dorado, Puerto Rico, daughter of the late Lino and Angela Ortiz Burgos.
After the death of her father, Maria, at the age of 14, along with her mother and brother, came to live in New York City. She met the love of her life, Tom, two years later, when he winked at her in the mirror of a local Automat. After getting her high school diploma from Central Commercial High School, Maria and Tom married on December 12, 1953. While in New York, they had three children, Thomas, Gregory, and Jeannette. A devoted wife and mother, Maria was happiest when surrounded by her family.
Maria is survived by two children, her son, Gregory Garcia and his wife Tammie, and her daughter, Jeannette Falanga, and her husband Ciro. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Nicole Garcia, Angela Garcia, Jessica Colangelo, her husband David, and Ciro Thomas Falanga. She additionally leaves a brother, Jose Antonio Burgos, three nieces, Anita Bastas, Debra Fegley and her husband Mark, and Rachel Garcia, several cousins, and their families.
Maria was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Thomas Garcia Jr., her son, Thomas Garcia III, her brother-in-law, Tony Garcia, and beloved cousins, Theresa Sandoval and Moncho Diaz.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of the Shoreline of Clinton for their kind and compassionate care of Maria.
Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Swan Funeral Home in Clinton, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mark’s Church in Westbrook, CT on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Ressurection Cemetery in Westbrook, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.swanfh.com for the Garcia family.
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