Karin Annette Garcia

Karin’s Family:

Karin is preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Smith, and her sibling Gregory Smith.

Karin is survived by her spouse of 25 years, Barrett Garcia.

Karin is also survived by her son Michael Myers, her daughter-in-law Cynthia Myers, and her grandchildren, Ryan and Jessica Myers.

She is also survived by her ten siblings and their (spouses / partners): Colleen Noonan (Kenny), Michael Smith (Jeanne), Kathleen Bonetti, Ana Maria Douglass (Michael), Julia Linza (Larry), Shawn Smith, Kevin Smith, Bridget Dominguez, Bryan Smith (Deborah Akers) and Jacqueline Morck (Douglas).

Karin is also survived by her many adoring nephews and nieces (spouses / partners): Joshua Noonan (Jennifer) and Katie Noonan; Kerry Henry (Chris), Michael Smith (Carrie), Sandra Bolanos (Tony) and Megan Cope (Nathan); Ryan Arciero (Michelle) and Robert Arciero (Tina); Edward Baker (Erica) and Melissa Baker (Michael Flis); Kelli Linza; Paul Smith (Gemma), Gregory Smith (Jay), Michelle Barkdull (Justin), Lisa Senart (Justin); Devin Dominguez (Noel), Brandon Dominguez (Niccole) and Shannon Dominguez; Caitlin and Caroline Smith; Robert Stevens (Brittany), Matthew and Dyllan Stevens (Mandie)

Karin’s Life & Story:

Karin was born on March 30, 1942, in San Diego, California to the late William and Margaret Smith. She was the firstborn of twelve siblings. The family lived in Glendale, Los Angeles, Bakersfield and then moved to Montebello, California. She assisted her mother and father raising her younger siblings as the Smith family grew.

Karin was raised Catholic and maintained her devotion to her faith in “Our Lord” through her whole life. She attended Catholic school including the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, St. Benedicts, Sacred Heart and graduating from Our Lady of Loretto High School in 1959. She considered becoming a nun, but turned her eyes to nursing, of which she devoted her life’s work to caring for others as an LVN working most of her career at Kaiser Permanente until she retired.

Karin’s Son, Michael & Family

Karins’ son, Michael, was born in 1970. She was an extraordinary mother who supported him in all his life’s endeavors and was loved dearly by him. As a full-time working, single mother, she always instilled the importance of faith, family and enabled him to have a great youth, enjoying a great homelife, education and pursuit of sports and hobbies.

Karin instantly bonded with her daughter-in-law, Cynthia, from the first time they met, cherishing their relationship, supporting one another through all of life’s ups and downs. Karin was always inspirational and loved to be part of, and inclusive of her new extended family.

Karin was an amazing grandmother to her two grandchildren, loving and spoiling them. They adored her and always looked forward to spending time with her. They enjoyed movies with popcorn, going shopping, spending time at the pool, playing cards and board games. Some of Karin’s favorite holidays with her son’s family included Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.

After her son’s family moved to Texas in 2006, Karin would make annual trips to be a part of her grandchildren’s lives.

All of Karin’s family adored her and always looked up to her for strength, compassion, advice and levity in life.

Karin’s Husband, Barry & Family

In 2000, she married the love of her life, Barry Garcia, with Michael and Cynthia honored as Best Man and Matron of Honor. They shared 25 happy years together. They enjoyed going on walks, staying fit, taking trips to casinos, wineries and the horse races in Del Mar.

Karin also loved and adored Barry’s children; Lisa Jones (husband Dale), and Chris Garcia (wife Elysha), and his grandchildren; Cody, Blake, Gia, Nathan and Emma.

After living in California her entire life, Karin and Barry relocated to Texas in October of 2024 to be with her son and family who were blessed to be with her through the last years of her life. They enjoyed nights out, watching movies and homemade Sunday meals at her son’s house.

Karin’s Favorite Things

Karin enjoyed classic movies with Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers and Casablanca. She loved the nostalgia of the Roaring 20’s from the fashion, the flappers, the music and the dancing…the joy of life that was reflected and expressed during those times. She enjoyed more recent movies like Chicago, When Harry Met Sally and perhaps her favorite movie that she always referenced was Christmas Vacation no matter the time of year.

Karin could yodel, loved a broad array of music including the Lemon Sisters, Frank Sinatra, disco, and whatever the latest current dance music was. In her earlier years, she loved to go out dancing with her many friends and family.

Karin took pride in keeping a clean home and how she presented herself to others. Her make-up and prep time were legendary. She also prioritized exercise to keep herself fit, healthy and in shape. She would frequently receive comments from total strangers about how great her hair, skin, outfits and earrings looked, which was a great source of fun and joy for her and her family.

Karin loved spending her weekends at the pool, sunbathing and swimming. Karin enjoyed her salt, Mexican food, watermelon, cantaloupe, Cheetos, Chardonnay and an occasional Gin Martini. She made delicious spaghetti and chili, fresh salads bursting with flavor. She also loved to eat popcorn with lots of salt and butter and even crumbled Butterfingers.

Karin’s Legacy:

Karin loved to laugh and often greeted you with a laugh before saying anything else.

Karin always wanted the best for her family and children and never wanted anyone to be taken advantage of. She wanted to make sure all her family felt important, included and cared for, and was a great encourager and loved to see all her family be happy, blessed and successful.

Karin’s zest for life was amazing and infectious; her personality was fun, sassy, loving and engaging with everyone she met.

Karin’s legacy, memory, joy and laughter will live on through her immediate and extended family, her friends and all those who knew and cared for her, and received the blessing that was our sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend…our Karin.

A Blessing:

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn is face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26

Her Favorite Hymn:

https://youtu.be/_Uge74xLmg0?si=YODIucDjcf4Fk1lr

[Chorus 1 reference for space]

Yahweh, I know you are near

Standing always at my side

You guard me from the foe

And you lead me in ways everlasting

[Verse 1]

Lord, you have searched my heart

And you know when I sit and when I stand

Your hand is upon me

Protecting me from death

Keeping me from harm

[Verse 2]

Where can I run from your love?

If I climb to the heavens you are there

If I fly to the sunrise

Or sail beyond the sea

Still I’d find you there

[Verse 3]

Marvelous to me are your works

How profound are your thoughts, my Lord

Even if I could count them

They number as the stars

You would still be there

[Chorus]

Yahweh, I know you are near

Standing always at my side

You guard me from the foe

And you lead me in ways everlasting