Joan M. Garcia

Joan Marie Garcia (nee Fletcher), 89, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Joan was born August 19, 1935, in Jersey City, NJ to the late Adele and William Fletcher. She met her late husband, Manny, in 1962 at the Jersey Shore (world’s famous Kelly’s Tavern, Neptune). They married shortly afterwards. Joan had a career as a comptometer operator prior to marriage. Later, she received her CBAPF (Certification Board for Addiction Professionals of Florida). She was passionate about working with people who had fallen prey to addiction. She continued to pursue her passion long into her later years. Soon after marriage, Joan supported her husband as he pursued his career with General Motors Overseas Operations. They were transferred, along with 3 other families, first to Argentina (1964), then throughout Latin America (Brazil, Chile). They referred to themselves as the “Big Four.” Those friendships survive to this day, as their children regularly share times and memories together. Joan loved to entertain and cook for a crowd. Everyone was always welcomed and invited around her table. She was often surprised by her husband who would bring home various colleagues for dinner, unannounced. They had a family “secret saying” that Joan would whisper to her son “FHB,” meaning “family hold back” making certain dinner would stretch for their guests. The saying is still being used by her son to this day, as the love of entertaining continues in his home. After a 40-year career with GM, Joan and her husband retired to Boca Raton, FL. Joan resided in Florida until 2023 when she moved to assisted living in Columbus, Ohio to be closer to her family. Joan was a storyteller extraordinaire. She would never let some of the facts get in the way of a good story. She could spend countless hours recanting events, trips, experiences, people she met, etc. throughout the world. If you gave her the time and a listening ear, she would share her experiences. Joan will be remembered as a feisty, strong-willed Irish lady from Jersey City, and she will be dearly missed by many. She is preceded in death by her late husband, Manny; sister, Geri; infant daughter, Laura; infant son, Mark. She is survived by her son, Bill (Sharon); grandson, Liam; her recently reunited child, Ed; and loving companion, Mike. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Joan on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes, 22094 Lyons Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33428. Committal Service to follow at Boca Raton Cemetery and Mausoleum, 451 SW 4th Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33432. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at both the Danbury Senior Living facility and Capital City Hospice for their compassionate care and support during her stay and final days.