Lucy Tena Garcia

Lucy Tena Garcia, age 78, died on December 22, 2024, in Alhambra, California. She is survived by her husband, Enrique Garcia, her son Rico Garcia, and grandchildren Temictli and Nayeli Garcia. Lucy Garcia was a respected successful business owner, loving mother, loving grandmother, and devoted wife. Lucy Garcia succumbed to cancer and died at home in her sleep in the early hours of a Sunday morning.

Lucy was born Luz Estela Tena in Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico, on February 17, 1946. Her parents were Rodolfo Tena and Blasa Burciaga Tena. At 15 years old, she traveled to live with her Uncle Jesus and Aunt Pauline Tena in the Lincoln Heights District of Los Angeles, California. Lucy met Enrique and were married on May 13, 1966, in Los Angeles, CA.

Lucy enjoyed her young life as a vibrant and magnetic person. She enjoyed travel, and gardening, explored the arts, and produced significant oil paintings that display in her home today. Their first child Marco Garcia was born in 1973. Their second son, Rico Garcia, was born in 1975. As a young mother, she focused on her family and created a warm and nurturing home. She loved being surrounded by her many nieces and nephews. She loved them all with exuberance and grace. She hosted many Easter egg hunts that focused on the wonders of small children. Throughout her life, she enjoyed creating many outings and family events. She hosted Holiday parties and welcomed everyone into her home.

As her sons became teenagers, all of their friends were welcome in the Garcia home. She affected many young people by creating space for artistic expression. There was always music in the home. The family suffered a catastrophic loss when her son Marco died in 1996 at the age of 21. In recovering from the loss, she began to focus on creating her own business enterprise, and on enjoying her grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally. She accepted them and supported them in all their personal choices and all their endeavors.

Lucy was the independent business owner of Ideal Lighting and Cal West Lighting. She was a partner with Enrique in the success of Pacific Lighting and Standards. Through her business acumen, she provided for her family and created a livelihood for dozens in her community. She often said her colleagues and employees were her second family. She became a Naturalized Citizen of The United States of America in 2013. Lucy enjoyed traveling and visited many countries and iconic cities, including Spain, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Washington DC, and New York.

Lucy Garcia created the Marco Garcia Memorial Fellowship to provide scholarships to students in the field of psychology who have demonstrated the intention of serving the Mexican-American community. The family intends to continue the work in her honor.

Lucy showed us bravery. Bravery to choose her own direction in life. Bravery to choose love. Bravery to get past trauma and loss. Bravery to work and provide. Bravery to face difficult situations. Bravery to find trust in people. Bravery to find humor and joy. Bravery to fight her illness. Bravery to let go.

Her spirit rests in peace, and she is reunited with her first son Marco. She is survived by her spouse, Enrique Garcia; son, Rico Garcia; grandchildren, Temictli Garcia and Nayeli Garcia; her dear friend, Silvia Garcia; brother-in-law, Armando Garcia; daughter-in-law, Lucia Zepeda; siblings, Alfredo Tena, Hilda Tena Martinez, Ines Tena Montenegro, and Evangelina Tena Montenegro; and countless nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The Garcia family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us during this time of loss.