Emelia Bertha Garcia

Emelia Bertha Prieto Garcia, age 81, died December 6, 2006.

She is survived by her loving children and spouses, Bertha and Dennis Helmick, Francisco and Elaine Garcia; and her grandchildren, Ryan Alexander and Caroline Elizabeth Helmick and Francisco Mateo and Paul Alexander Garcia; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Alvillar Garcia Martinez; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Elias and Mary Lou Prieto, sister-in-law, Emily Puig Prieto, and brother-in-law, Anastacio Garcia of Tampico, and beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Alejandro R. Garcia, Jr., her parents, Antonio and Emelia Balea Prieto, by her siblings, Jose Luis Prieto, Antonio Prieto, Alicia Prieto Puig, Maria Theresa Prieto Hughes and her in-laws, Jesus M. and Emma Vela Garcia, Sara G. Ramirez, Maria Juliana Garcia.

Bertha was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, moved to Laredo and attended Martin High School, where she was Salutatorian of the Class of 1944. Upon graduation Bertha attended Mary Hardin Baylor College. She was married to Alejandro for 56 years. They were a couple to watch on the dance floor and enjoyed their travels to Europe.

Alejandro died this year on Bertha's birthday, October 17th. In Laredo, Bertha was extremely involved in the Laredo Civic Music Association. She was the most supportive wife, loving mother, grandmother, devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend one could ever hope for. In San Antonio, she enjoyed the company of her friends in the Birthday Club and in the Ladies 12 Club, where she served as the group's photographer.

She was an inspiration to all who knew her stoicism and profound wisdom. She will be greatly missed.