Marina E. Garcia

An extraordinary woman – strong, loving, elegant, humble and gracious – Marina Espino Garcia was lifted into Eternal Life on August 19, 2022 at the age of 98. In lieu of flowers please send donations to : https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html.

Born in Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico. Marina moved to Kansas City, Missouri when she married Carlos Garcia, also of Salamanca, in 1950. They were married for 42 years before Carlos passed in 1992. Marina was preceded in death by her parents, Esperanza Espino Sanchez and Juan Sanchez Espino, as well as her siblings Elvira Espino, Rafael Espino and Juan Espino. Marina is survived by her seven children Maria Victoria (Jack Brake), Marina O’Sullivan (Randall Baughman), Carlos Garcia (Linda), Rafael Ignacio (Nicole), Juan Primitivo (Paula), Martha Elvira (Paul Kampen) and Nanci Elizabeth (Scott Heigele); and grandchildren: Don Carlos Morgan, Christian Morgan, Nicole Bland, Catherin Worrel Marx, Cristina Bland Lewis, Sara Kampen Bentson, Andrew Garcia, Christopher Worrel, Austin Kampen, Timothy Kampen, Madelaine Heigele, Julian and Iliana Garcia and 13 Great-Grandchildren! – a huge family whose names and birthdays she remembered and celebrated.

Most people will remember our mother, Marina, as a very alert and vibrant woman. Always physically active, Marina took pride in her physical abilities with a life-long dedication to exercise. “The secret to life is to just keep moving!” she’d repeatedly and passionately declare to her family. In fact, she remained active and vibrant – mentally and physically – through her last weeks of life.

Marina was passionate in everything she did. She loved preparing favorite Mexican dishes for her family, friends and neighbors. It was one of the many ways she shared her love with others. Another passion of Marina’s was performing on the piano. An accomplished pianist, Marina won competitions as a young woman and continued to astound audiences with her concert-quality performances. Marina earned an Accounting/Finance degree in Queretaro, Mexico which was put to use in entrepreneurial business ventures with her husband, Carlos.

Marina generously shared her time with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and never backed away from an opportunity to say, “I’m ready, let’s go!” to a new adventure, concert, event, party, lunch or dinner whenever a family member or friend extended the invitation. When arriving at Marina’s home, guests would be greeted with beautiful music. She loved music. “Music is Love,” she told us on her last day. Music was indeed a primary theme of Marina’s life. It was her energy source and therapy.

Our mother, Marina, was a skilled seamstress. She sewed intricate outfits for her children over her young family’s years, as well as many complex dance costumes for her dancing daughters later in life. We could always count on Mom to fix an outfit that was too big, didn’t fit right, or needed “a little something” to make it special. She loved to “bedazzle” her own outfits before it became popular! Her sewing machine was always ready for action. A lover of flowers, mom took classes in floral arrangement later in life, creating many beautiful arrangements for friends and family members as gifts over the years. She was a very creative soul.

Anchored by her faith in God, Marina prayed constantly and encouraged her children to do the same. “We should always be close to God, so God will bless us. We have to ask God for our needs, even for the smallest thing, and then believe,” was how Marina lived her life.

Marina persevered through life’s challenges with an unusual resolve stating, “Querer es Poder,” (Where there’s a will, there’s a way). This determination remained through her final days as she fought – and conquered! – Covid. “I can count on one hand the number of 98-year olds who are as mentally sharp and physically strong as your mother, Marina,” stated a doctor who cared for Mom in her final days.

Our mother (Mama Mari, as she was affectionately known) was a humble woman of great strength; she embraced and loved abundantly; she inspired and encouraged us in pursuit of our goals and passions. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor to know her.

“When love is at the core, all things are possible. Live life positively. Be kind. Teach and guide your children. Keep thinking of Good and pass it on to others.” ~ Marina Espino Garcia