Cristela Raquel Garcia

Cristela was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, counselor, and mentor whose gentle spirit and quiet strength touched everyone she met. Born in Austin and raised in San Antonio, Texas, she had a natural talent for numbers. After graduating from Taft High School, she enrolled at Southwest Texas State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, followed by a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance at Texas State University.

Cristela’s career in education was defined by compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. She taught math at Schertz High School, Memorial High School in San Antonio, and McCallum High School in Austin. She switched careers after her son was born, becoming a counselor at Barbara Jordan Elementary and later returning to McCallum High School, where she served as the lead counselor until her passing. Her colleagues remember her unique ability to balance compassion and advocacy for her students and as a cherished member of the counseling team.

Cristela was a woman of deep kindness, humility, and warmth. She never wanted to be the center of attention, instead preferring to place the needs of others above her own. Her smile radiated joy and her laughter could be heard down hallways and through closed doors. She possessed a calming presence and an innate ability to diffuse tension with her gentle nature. Cristela was wise, patient, and deeply empathetic. She left an imprint on the hearts of her family, friends, and colleagues that will stay with us for all the days of our lives.

Her son Armando was the center of Cristela’s universe and as she would say was, “the best part of me.” She adored her husband John and treasured their life together traveling and going to the beach, her happy place. She found peace napping in a hammock, listening to the waves, and their favorite beach playlist. The family visited Port Aransas every chance they got. Her final trip, this past October, gifted her with perfect weather and the magic of the Port Aransas Fall Kite Fly.

Cristela had a profound impact on the people around her. Her loved ones describe her as the most patient, forgiving, and selfless person they have ever known. When she wasn’t at work, she was tutoring her nieces and nephews in math and providing sage counsel to friends, family members, and colleagues alike. She will be remembered for her generosity, loyalty, endless patience, and the light she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Cristela is survived by her husband John Garcia, son Armando, mother Emma Munguia (Chuck Baldridge), father Gustavo Gonzalez (Lupita Thompson); sister Belisa Gonzalez (Jed Ashton), and siblings Ana-Cristina Gonzalez, Gustavo Gonzalez (Stephanie Gonzalez), Roman Gonzalez (Lindsay Gonzalez-Edgar), Derek Baldridge (Michelle Baldridge), Margie Garcia, Valerie Duffy (Chris Duffy); nieces and nephews Ysenia Gonzalez Ashton, Alonzo Gonzalez Ashton, Sabrina Walker Claar (Connor Claar), Sean Duffy (Kayla Duffy), Sara Duffy, Holly Hernandez, Charlee Baldridge, Piper Baldridge, Justin Baldridge and grand-nieces Kaylee Duffy, Lyla Duffy, and Morgan Duffy; Aunts and Uncle Rebecca Munguia, Linda Munguia, and AD Munguia (Ellen Munguia), Ana De la Fuentes, Cristina Gonzalez, Pyda Gonzalez, Sister John Gonzalez, and cousin Deanna Binder (Chad Binder) and numerous other relatives and countless friends.

To honor Cristela’s legacy, the family welcomes support toward Armando’s education in lieu of flowers. A link is provided below.

Funeral services will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home at 6300 W. William Cannon on Monday, March 2nd from 6pm - 8pm and at Emmanuel United Methodist Church at 200 Brushy St. on Tuesday, March 3rd at 11:00am.