Benita Garcia

Benita Garcia was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Benita was born on March 21, 1916 at home in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She was the daughter of Cirilo Tovias and Maria de Jesus Castillo. Benita grew up in Long Beach and Santa Paula, California.

Benita was raised with five siblings. She had one older brother Bart, three younger brothers Ignacio, Paul and Joe and one younger sister Leonor. Benita was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

On November 26, 1936 Benita exchanged wedding vows with Rupert Garcia in Fillmore, California. Empathic and loyal, Benita was committed to making her new family happy.

Benita worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Benita was blessed with four children, four daughters, Irene, Vickie, Annie and Peggy. Another blessing for Benita was the gift of 10 grandchildren, Irene (Lolo), Chris, Eileen (Truki), Vickie (Blubbo), Tracy, Marisa, Marina, Anthony, Miranda (Randi) and Melissa (Cutie).

Fortunately, Benita enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Benita worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was library aide. She was employed for 17 years by L A County. Benita always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Benita enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were bingo, crochet, crossword puzzles, crafts and sewing handmade blankets for the grandchildren. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Benita found pleasure in sports. Benita was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Both her and her husband Rupert were avid Dodger Fans and never missed a game or performance involving the grandkids. Little League, Drill Team, H. S. Baseball and Softball and Cheer Competition.

Throughout her life, Benita was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Both her and Rupert served as officers for over 40 years for Socledad Progresista Mexicana #27.

Benita was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for the Senior Citizens of Huntington Park and East L A and later Senior Citizens of Baldwin Park. Also were crowned King and Queen 2001 of Baldwin Park "Senior" Prom. Benita received her citizenship during the 1940's and was a proud American citizen who worked the polls in her Grape St. neighborhood during the 60's.

Benita’s faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Aloysius for over 40 years. During that time, she volunteered at the church on a regular basis and was a member of the Guadalupanas.

Benita enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included traveling to Canada, Hawaii and Mexico.

When Benita’s retirement finally arrived in 1980, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in traveling with their fellow seniors all over the country. Frequent trips to Las Vegas to visit Irene and her family. Even in retirement, Benita continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Benita was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Benita raised her family in Watts and lived there over 50 years. She loved the home they had and was reluctant to move to be closer to her daughters in the mid 90's. But because of dads failing health she did and was surprised when her home sold so quickly. Once in the Baldwin Park area they adapted well and loved being close to the grandkids while still involving themselves in the local Senior Center where they made several new friends. Over the years the never missed Anthony's Little League or high school baseball and football games. Even when they lived in LA. The same could be said for Tracy's, Marisa's or Marina's competitions. Randi's cheer, Cutie's basketball and softball. And amazingly they continued this as the great grandkids became active in sports. Alex and Butter in softball, Dominic in baseball, James in football, Cookie, Sabrina and Dallie in cheer and mom even got to see Little Eric play T-Ball this past year. She loved her family and enjoyed them all whenever she could. We were very blessed to have her 94 years but are content in knowing she won her battle and is in heaven dancing with her beloved husband.

Benita passed away on August 30, 2010 at Rancho Cucamonga Specialty Hospital. She is survived by her daughters Irene (Leo) Arambula of Las Vegas, Nevada, Vickie Baker of Upland, California, Annie (Bobby) Flores of Walnut, California, Peggy (Tony) Castaneda of West Covina, California. Grandchildren Lolo (Steve) Gradwell of Phoenix, Az, Chris Arambula, Truki (Mike) Marasco, Vickie Arambula Rodela all of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tracy (Manuel) Haro of Upland, California, Marisa (James) De Loera of Baldwin Park, California, Marina Castaneda of Covina, California, Anthony, Miranda and Melissa Castaneda, all of West Covina, California. Great-grandchildren Miles and Mitchell Rodela, Alex, Savannah and Dominic Haro, James, Sabrina and Kayleen De Loera, Alyssa and Arielle Vargas, Eric and Eron Galvan and Brianne Gradwell. One surviving sibling, her younger brother Paul Tovias of Santa Paula, CA. Services were held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Benita was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

Simply stated, Benita was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Benita leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Benita