Maria Esther Garcia, “Mama Esther”, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge and native of Jalisco, Mexico, passed away on November 6th at the age of 91. She is survived by her children, Alejandro Valencia and wife Rebecca, Teresa Ramirez and husband Tony, Blanca, Martha, Leticia, Silvia, Irma, and Saul Valencia; 2 siblings and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by parents, Juan Garcia and Julia Arechiga; son, Joel Valencia; siblings, Catarino, Andrea, Carmen, Gabriel, and Juan Garcia; and great granddaughter, Kylie Pooser. Maria immigrated to the US in the 1980s to give her family a better future. She was a talented cook, baker, and needleworker, and she enjoyed crochet and knitting blankets, doilies, and many clothing items for her loved ones. There was nothing she cherished more than God and her family. Her world truly revolved around them, and she happily dedicated herself to assisting her family with the day to day things. She will be remembered for her hospitality and loving, nurturing soul. A visitation will be held 6-8 pm Friday, November 12th at Rabenhorst East on Florida blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 13th, at 10 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 9.
