Debora Kay Garcia

Debora Kay Garcia, born Debora Kay Harvey, was a devoted Catholic, beloved wife, mother, Nana, daughter, sister, and friend whose life was defined by faith, love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. She entered into eternal rest on July 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with thyroid cancer.

Born in Illinois to Dale Harvey and Ernestine Aquino, Debora was one of nine siblings, including Dale, Diane, and Dale Steven, along with five half-brothers and sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Debora is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Steve Richard Garcia; her daughters, Michelle Renee Skowronski, Melanie Rachelle Mooney, and Alicia Nicolle Garcia; and her cherished grandchildren, Maddix Ryle Mooney, McKayla Raan Mooney, and Dean Pierce Hoover.

Debora met Steve while he was serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era and stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1972, a day that became her favorite holiday and a lasting celebration of their love. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in their Catholic faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

After beginning their married life in Colorado Springs, Colorado, they eventually settled in Anaheim Hills, California, around 1988, where they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, love, and traditions that will be cherished for generations.

Debora and Steve shared a beautiful partnership and were rarely apart. Whether Steve was working on the car, mowing the lawn, or tackling projects around the house, Debora was often nearby, talking with him and simply enjoying being together. Their marriage was built on faith, friendship, quiet companionship, and a love that grew stronger with each passing year.

Debora devoted her life to caring for her family. She was the heart of her home and the glue that held her family together. Caring, nurturing, and endlessly loving, she always put the needs of others before her own. Her daughters knew they could always call their mom for advice, comfort, reassurance, or simply to keep them company on a drive. She was their safe place, their biggest supporter, and their greatest source of unconditional love.

Being Nana was one of Debora’s greatest joys. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren, sharing crafts, baking birthday cakes, celebrating holidays, and creating memories they will carry with them throughout their lives. She showed her love in the little ways she cared for them, always making sure they were fed, asking what they wanted to eat, and happily preparing something special for them. Her love was felt not only in the traditions she created, but in the everyday care and comfort she gave so freely.

Though she stood just 4’11”, Debora’s heart was immeasurable. Her smile was contagious, and she seemed to find joy in every day. She was always singing, sharing her unmistakable laugh, and striking up conversations with people wherever she went. Whether at the store or out in the community, she never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcomed and valued.

Debora found beauty in life’s simple blessings. She loved tending to her rose bushes, often cutting fresh roses to brighten her home. She delighted in her citrus trees, loved watching birds, cared deeply for animals, and rarely missed her daily espresso with biscotti. She enjoyed crafting, creating a beautiful home, and decorating for every holiday. Her shopping trips to HomeGoods and Target were treasured opportunities to find the perfect seasonal decorations and special touches that made her home warm and inviting.

A woman of deep and abiding Catholic faith, Debora lived with quiet grace, compassion, and kindness. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the love she gave, the care she showed others, and the devotion she had to her family. Her family finds comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into God’s loving embrace.

Debora’s greatest legacy is not only the family she loved so deeply, but the home she created, a place filled with laughter, music, fresh flowers, warm meals, treasured traditions, and unconditional love. She taught those around her that life’s greatest blessings are found in time spent together and in the simple everyday moments that become our most cherished memories.

She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and remembered always.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her.”

— Proverbs 31:28

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.