Alicia A. Garcia

Alicia Acevedo Garcia, affectionately known as "Abuelita," passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, in Katy, Texas, at the age of 97. Born on February 8, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, Alicia lived a full and vibrant life that touched the hearts of everyone she met.

Raised in Monterrey, Mexico, she grew up with a love for music, dancing, and the arts. As a young woman, she lived and worked in Mexico City before returning to the United States to settle in Houston, Texas. It was in Houston that she met and married the love of her life, Claudio. Together, they built a family until his untimely passing in 1974. Alicia remained in Houston, devoting herself wholeheartedly to raising her children and being a cornerstone of their lives.

Alicia was a woman of many passions. She loved gardening, cooking, live theater, and sewing—always with a flair for fashion. Her impeccable style and youthful spirit were evident in her meticulous attention to her appearance, often staying ahead of the latest trends. Even into her later years, she never skipped her wrinkle cream, a testament to her pride in looking her best.

Known for her sharp wit and blunt honesty, Alicia had a gift for leaving a lasting impression. While she sometimes struggled to remember names, she was quick to assign unique and fitting nicknames—though not always complimentary, they were always memorable. Her family and friends cherished her humor, her zest for life, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

She had a knack for finding joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether it was dancing to her favorite music, nurturing her garden, or the occasional shopping trip (followed by a return the next day). Above all, she was a devoted mother, caregiver, and homemaker, ensuring her children had the very best and always putting their happiness first.

Alicia’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her children, Juan Claudio Garcia and wife Iryna, Adela G. Chance and husband Eugene, Claudia G. Stone and husband Gary; grandchildren, Anthony Garcia, Ilona Shtelma, Nicholas Chance, Aaron Chance, John Michael Cruz II, Christopher Garcia, Jessica Garcia, William Gilliland, Matthew Gilliland, Henry Gilliland, Brian Stone and wife Holly, Brandon Stone and wife Lyndee, and Garrett Stone and wife Jennifer; great-grandchildren, John Michael Cruz III, Julia Stone, Samuel Stone, Mikaella Paez, Michelle Kennard, Grayson Stone, and Haylie Stone.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Claudio Gomez Garcia; children, Raymond Garcia, Maria Gilliland, Idalia G. Cruz, Garcia; and grandchild, Jessie Garcia.

A visitation for Alicia will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pat H. Foley & Company, 1200 West 34th Street, Houston, Texas 77018. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM at Pat H. Foley & Company. Her interment will be private for her family.