Shirley Ann Garcia, born and raised in Merced, California, was a woman of love and creativity. She dedicated many years as a school cook at Buhach Discovery Center, nurturing generations of children with her meals and care. Shirley was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Her creativity was evident in the beautiful quilts, bows, and handmade Halloween costumes she lovingly crafted. Her passion for celebrating holidays shone through in the elaborate decorations that adorned her home, inside and out.
Shirley and her husband, Robert (Bobby) Garcia, Sr., shared 47 wonderful years together. They cherished spending time with their family. Shirley also welcomed children from her extended family into her home, ensuring they felt loved and cared for. She was the kind of woman who made everyone feel like family, feeding all her kid's friends, nieces, and nephews. Her coordination of family events brought everyone closer together. Despite her loving nature, she was known for her scrappy spirit and wouldn't think twice about chasing you down with a chancla if you got out of line.
Shirley is survived by her mother, Florence Garcia; her stepfather, Clementé Garcia; her husband, Robert Garcia Sr.; her son, Robert Garcia III, his wife, Arika Baria-Garcia, and their children, Robert Garcia IV and Emilia Baria-Garcia; her daughter, Michelle Maule, her husband, Robert Maule, and their children, Destiny Rodriguez, Desenya Rodriguez, Fernando Rodriguez, Nathaniel Rodriguez, Robert Maule Jr., Kataleena Maule, and Richard Maule; her great-granddaughter, Anastasia Zamora; and many other cherished members of the Garcia and Ramos families.
She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church. She now joins her beloved firstborn son, Robert Garcia, Jr., and dear mother-in-law, Florence Garcia, in heaven.
Visitation, Services & Reception
A visitation for Shirley will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, California 95341.
A Vigil Service with Rosary will occur Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 562 W 13th St, Merced, California. Interment following services at Merced District Cemetery 1300 B Street, Merced, California.
Reception to follow at Stratford Evans Reception Hall 1490 B Street, Merced, California 95341.
Donations to contribute to the services can be made: https://gofund.me/325e6bd5
