Mercedes Hilda Garcia

Mercedes R. Garcia was born in 1928, in Monterrey, Mexico. In 2025, ninety-six and one-half years later, she went home to our heavenly Father the day before Easter Sunday, in Plano, Texas. Before the Alzheimer’s disease stole her memories, courage, and judgment, Mercedes had a full and active life. Throughout her life, she drew strength from her faith and instilled the same in her children and grandchildren.

In 1944, at the age of 16, her father, Manuel, got her a job as a legal secretary at the factory where he worked.

In 1954, she married Robert in a Catholic Church ceremony in Mexico. She then emigrated to San Antonio, Texas with Robert. She had 6 children between 1954 and 1963: Mary, Robert, Jeanie, Charlie, John, and Thomas.

As a single parent, she became a naturalized American citizen in 1967. She worked various odd jobs between 1966 and 1969, including private housekeeper for a family, maid at a motel, waitress, “momma patrol” (school crossing guard), and a seamstress for the Institute of Texan Cultures at the San Antonio HemisFair celebration.

In the 1970s she was hired as a clerk typist at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). While working at EEOC, she earned her GED in 1977. She joined the company volleyball team, the Rolly Polly’s, and enjoyed the competition and camaraderie. She quit EEOC in 1980.

As her children became adults, they began to move to the Dallas/Fort Worth area in search of jobs. By the mid-1980s, she eventually joined her children by also moving to Dallas/Fort Worth. She helped her children by babysitting her many grandchildren.

In 1989, at the age of 61, she began working at the newly created Upscale Resale Shop, established and managed by the Christian Community Action group. This was her longest held job. She retired from the shop in 2007 after 18 years of service, at the age of 79. She made many great friends there, the closest of which was Elfie Fussel.

She enjoyed every type of arts and crafts, but especially crocheting and needlepointing. She also enjoyed bowling, gardening and camping out. She was happiest when surrounded by family and enjoyed cooking and baking for them. She was never shy about trying out new recipes and different types of cuisines.

She was predeceased by her four sisters, one brother, and her parents.

She is survived by her two daughters, four sons, in-laws, 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A private Celebration of Life service is scheduled for May 3rd for Mercedes’ descendants.

In lieu of flowers you may make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org.