Elena grew up on the west side of San Antonio. Her education was cut short to 3rd grade to help support family obligations. At the age of 8, she worked alongside her mother in a pecan factory shelling pecans and later as a cotton picker to contribute her “pennies” to the family household. It was at the age of 14 she met the love of her life, Pedro Garcia, at a bakery. They married on April 20, 1941 and while Pedro left to serve his country in WWII in the United States Army, Elena patiently awaited his arrival. Together they had 4 children: Pedro Jr, Teresa, Magdalena, and Michael. It wasn’t until Pedro’s untimely passing in 1970 that she took the role of a true matriarch. She continued to raise 4 wonderful children instilling the genuine meaning of maintaining responsibility, hard work, and love. She worked at the JFK Legion Post 485 as a bartender to support her family. She was also an active ladies auxiliary officer at the legion.
Elena, lovingly known as “Grandma Nena and Momo” to many, was a respectable, frugal, loving woman who had the opportunity to raise 5 generations. She was always hospitable, never let anyone go home hungry or without necessities, and would give you her last dollar if needed. She had a special touch in the kitchen and made some of the best tortillas, beans, fideo, carne guisada, and picadillo, which many can attest too. It was always heartwarming entering her home knowing fresh food would be on the stove. She loved music and dancing, she could never have enough lottery tickets or word search puzzles, and loved Mexican sweet bread, which was always available on her table. She was strong willed, stubborn at times, caring, loving, and raised 5 generations with the same characteristics. There are not enough words the family has to express their profound gratitude for all she has done for everyone during her 96 years.
She has reunited with her parents, husband, brother Joe Chavez, daughter Magdalena Benton; and leaves behind to cherish her memories her children: Pedro “Pete” Jr. and wife Betty Garcia, Teresa and husband Ruben Rodriguez, Michael “Mike” and wife Margie Garcia; son-in-law Jerry Benton, grandchildren: Randy (Jeanie) Garcia, Gabriela (Chuck) Garcia, Ana Buentello, Leticia (Tom) Wawrzyniak, Melissa Rodriguez, Monica (Ram) Wallooppillai, Susan (William) Beach, Joey (Rhoda) Martinez, Suzette (Bryan) Neuman, Joleen “Loney” Garcia; 17 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, nephew Joe Chavez, and a host of other extended family members that she acknowledged as family.
The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. with a Mariachi Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A procession will depart the funeral home promptly Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 7:45 a.m. to celebrate an 8:30 a.m. Mass of Resurrection at San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza. Interment will follow in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. in Shelter 1. Please visit the online guest book to share fond memories.
