Frances Josephine Garcia

Frances J. Garcia, beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2016, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and sisters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico on October 23, 1947. She was the second of three children born to the late Ramon L. Tafoya and Saturnina (Tafoya) Madrid.

Frances attended West Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, NM until the 11th grade where she led the high school marching band as drum majorette. She later worked to complete her high school diploma and PROUDLY graduated with her eldest son from Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, CO with the class of 1989.

Upon graduation, Frances worked at School District Eleven’s William J. Palmer High School where she worked as a community liaison for high-risk students. She was extremely proud of “her” high-risk kids and loved every minute she worked with them. Many of them have kept in touch with Frances and have remarked on how positively she impacted their lives. During her time at Palmer, she was recognized for her work amongst high-risk students at the 16th Annual Hispanic Annual Salute where she was given the 1996 Adult Volunteerism Award in recognition of her scholastic achievements and community developments. Frances later continued caring for others as a case manager for the School District Eleven Transition Program for special needs students ages 18-21 and as a host home provider for Carmel Community Living.

Family and friends were extremely important in Frances’ life. She especially enjoyed spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. Frances enjoyed participating in bowling leagues with her children and was an enthusiastic fan of the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. She was also an avid Yankees fan; following in the footsteps of her father.

Frances leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving sons, Bobby, Mike, and Esteban Garcia, all of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as her daughter-in-law, Sharon Godfrey-Garcia (Bobby), whom she always referred to as her “daughter.” Her reasons for living were her three grandchildren: Noah, 12 (“Lovebug”), McKenzie, 11 (“Princess”) and Mia, 8 (“Angel”) all of Colorado Springs, CO. She leaves behind her two sisters, RoseMarie Espinoza of Rio Rancho, NM and Jana Follins (Bryan) of Las Vegas, NV. She also leaves behind her nieces Georgia Espinoza and family, and Stephanie Vialpando and family, both of Rio Rancho, NM and special friend and honorary sister, Margarita Marquez of Colorado Springs, CO. Frances had many additional friends and family whom she held so very dear.

Rosary will take place Monday, March 14th at 6 p.m., at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15th at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow (details will be announced at the Celebration of Life). As per Frances’ request, her ashes will be scattered by her family in her beloved home state of New Mexico later this coming summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The ALS Foundation-Rocky Mountain Chapter; 7403 Church Ranch Blvd. Suite 109, Westminster, CO 80218; www.alscolorado.org.