Mary was born on March 4, 1930, to Jose and Maria G. Mena. She was raised amidst her 9 siblings, Candelario (Lena), Roberto, Nemesio (Domitilia), Rafaela (Manuel Flores) Jose (Eva), Jesus (Gloria), Enrique (Mary), Eugenio (Velia), and Amelia (Ernesto Perea).
Mary grew up in the Segundo Barrio and was a proud Bowie Bear Alumnus graduating with the Class of 1950. Mary then pursued a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and worked in the Maternity Care/Labor and Delivery Unit at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Mary was an active member of the AOY Alumni Association for more than 20 years and a 28-year devoted volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, where she was awarded several Outstanding Achievement Awards. She also served as a volunteer at Providence Memorial Hospital providing care to patients throughout the hospital. Mary had multiple hobbies including bowling, sewing, arts and crafts, cake decorating, and water aerobics. Among all her favorite activities, her greatest joy was working as a homemaker.
Mary and her husband Martin spent their time traveling, where they visited Paris, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Rome, to include the Vatican Museums, and several cities throughout the United States.
In May 1953, Mary married the love of her life, Martin Garcia, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, in El Paso, Texas where they were married 72 years ago. Mary leaves behind her loving and devoted husband Martin, her children, Marianne Martinez (Bobby), Martin Garcia Jr. (Huette ) and Melissa Mejia (Barnabie), 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She also held each and every one of her godchildren, nieces and nephews close to her heart. Mary also leaves behind her Sister-in-Laws Rosie Carreon, Irene Garcia and Gloria Mena.
Mary was loved beyond words by everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
On behalf of the Garcia, Martinez and Mejia families, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who aided in our beloved Mother Mary’s care throughout her difficult journey. Special appreciation is extended to Maria (Pola) Lazalde and Margarita Araiza for providing compassionate and unconditional loving care.
Visitation will be Monday, July 21, 2025 from 5:00pm - 9:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral mass will be Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 9:30 am at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 408 Park St. El Paso, Texas 79901 with her burial to follow in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Blvd El Paso, Texas 79906, West Shelter.
