Teresa Garcia

Teresa Garcia was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Teresa will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Teresa was born on May 12, 1911 at home in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. She was the daughter of Jose Guadalupe and Florentine Garcia. Teresa grew up in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Teresa was raised with four siblings. She had Gilberto, Pascuala, Petra and Jose. Teresa was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Teresa had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She was in the Choir of El Senor Sandoval. However, to Teresa, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Teresa had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was math. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Senorita Amelia.

Teresa enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Teresa was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her teaching degree. Her favorite courses were Literature.

Teresa worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Teresa was blessed with three children, Rita Irene, Ernie and Amelia. Another blessing for Teresa was the gift of 14 grandchildren, Maria, Rita, Veronica, Richard, Terri, Diane, Christine, Eric, Ernie, Juan, Anna, Elina, Jesus and David. She also had 36 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren,

Fortunately, Teresa enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Teresa worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was educator/caregiver. Teresa always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Teresa enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, cooking, crocheting and sewing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Teresa’s faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Teresa enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included traveling across the continuous United States, Canada and Mexico.

Teresa was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her German Shepard mix, Buddy and a cat with no name.

When Teresa’s retirement finally arrived in 1975, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in gardening, cooking, crocheting and sewing. Even in retirement, Teresa continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Teresa was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Teresa passed away on July 31, 2013 at Inter Community Hospital in Covina, California. She is survived by her children Rita Irene, Jose Ernesto, Amelia Guadalupe, 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Teresa was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

Simply stated, Teresa was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Teresa leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Teresa Garcia.