Loraine Garcia

Garcia, Dolly Loraine, 74, of Tampa, FL, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021. Loraine was born in Tampa on February 14, 1947. She graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa, FL, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Florida, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Following, her time at University of Florida, she pursued a Master’s degree at the University of South Florida where she met the love of her life, Dr. Jay Garcia. In June of 1970, Loraine and Jay married and they enjoyed 49 years building a beautiful life together. Her most treasured blessings were her children and grandchildren. Loraine is survived by her son, Dr. Michael Garcia and his wife Virginia; daughter, JoAnna Garcia Swisher and her husband Nick; grandchildren, Andrew Garcia, Gabrielle Garcia, Emerson Swisher, Sailor Swisher, and Sebastian Garcia. Loraine loved spending time with her friends, drinking cosmopolitans, putting together puzzles at the beach house, and pancakes with peanut butter. She loved her Florida Gators, and like any proud Bull Gator, game days in Gainesville were some of her favorite times. She had a generous heart and led with grace and kindness, but always would surprise you with her witty one-liners. She is preceded in death by her husband Jay; her stepfather, Harrie Bateman; and most recently, her mother, Helen Bateman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate in Loraine’s memory to the Loraine Sadler Garcia Family Endowment. Funds can be made out to the UF Foundation, Inc. and sent to the University of Florida Foundation, Inc., Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604-2425. Please note Mrs. D. Loraine S. Garcia or UF Foundation [fund #014327] in the memo area of your check. https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/012739-loraine-sadler-garcia-family-endowment, or the Jose Garcia and Family Scholarship Fund (#656002), payable to the USF Foundation, directed to the attention of Beth Corbin in the Office of Donor Relations at 4202 East Fowler Avenue, ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620-5455. https://giving.usf.edu/online/ Click the “Search for a specific USF fund” bar on the right side of the page and type in the fund #656002.

Services to be held at a later date.