Olivia Garcia

She is survived by her sisters, Estella, Maria (Ruben) and Guillermina as well as her children, Santos Alejandro (Joyce), Emilio Hernandez, Frank Garcia (Sandra), Guadalupe Mondragon (John) and Ramon Casarez y Garcia (Isabel). In addition to her children, Olivia leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus Canales Villa (Rosenda); siblings, Aurora and Jesus, and her children Ramona Santos, Guillermo Alejandro and Luis Garcia.

My nana spent most of her life working and raising her children as a single mother. After successfully raising her children she continued to play a huge role in raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren though I’m sure it wasn’t an easy task as there are so many of us. Even through all her trials, she loved us in a way that only a grandmother could. I know that sounds like a cliché, but truly, when you think of what a grandmother should be, she was that and more for us. Growing up, I remember every Sunday coming over for lunch, picadillo and homemade tortillas were my personal favorite and because of how often we had it, I am going to assume that it was also my father’s favorite. Our entire childhoods are wrapped around my nana, her home, her presence and for that I will forever be grateful because she gave us the most beautiful memories to last us a lifetime.

I am certain that I speak for everyone when I say that my Nana will forever be remembered as a woman of unwavering faith, remarkable courage, empowering strength and everlasting, unbreakable love. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. The head of our family, the very root of our tree has gone off to rest and left us to continue here without her. Though that sounds devastating, I am confident that we will all be okay. We will all make it because we all have a part of her in us. As you can probably tell by now, I chose to write an obituary that is a little different than most. My nana lived a long, beautiful life and gave us the greatest gift which is, though at times difficult to remember, each other. Familia. And there is no greater love than that. So, I ask that you join us in CELEBRATING the life of an amazing woman.

Services for my Nana will be held at Memory Gardens with a viewing and service to take place on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 5-9:00 pm. Her burial will take place the following morning, Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 am also at Memory Gardens.