Frances Martinez Garcia

On the sunny morning of Monday, December 2, 2024 Frances “Packy” García entered peacefully into eternal rest. She was a devoted Mother, precious Grandmother, a talented seamstress and handmade crafts entrepreneur, and the sweetest friend to so many. She is preceded in the afterlife by her beloved Husband Richard, Parents Gilberto and Francisca Martínez, and Siblings; Brothers Oscar, Luis Fernando, and Manuel; Sister Jacinta “Tita.”

She is survived by her adored children; Son Alexander Richard García and his wife Janet; Daughters Karen Frances Rudolph, Tricia Lynn García-Choudary and her husband Ahsan Choudary; her 5 beautiful Grandchildren Pablo García, Diego García, Grace García, Angel García, and Faith García; cherished Siblings; Sisters Laura Barranca, Luz “Luchy” Pasapera, Josephine “Chepy” Concepción, Irma Schonwetter; Brothers Luis “Chito” Martínez, William “Willy” Martínez, Antonio “Toño” Martínez; and many Nieces, Nephews, and Godchildren.

Few people ever walk God’s path in such supreme peace, patience, and solace as did Frances. She shared a bright and guiding wisdom borne from a life of hardships and blessings and emanated a mother’s love that was both tender and nurturing, but also at times tough. Frances always gave wholehearted of herself and wanted not but love in return.

Frances was born in Piura, Perú to a family of many siblings. From an early age, she began helping in her father’s businesses and attended Catholic boarding school where she learned the virtues of living a faithful and generous life in service to God. She moved to New York and eventually met her since departed Husband, Richard, not too long after. They happily married in Brooklyn on June 27, 1970 and set about on the course of building a family and a loving home when they moved to San Antonio, Texas. Quickly, Richard’s friends became Frances’s friends. Their friends all remember that Frances and Richard had the God-given gift of generosity, and they gave to others with all their heart.

In 1971, Frances worked and started classes at San Antonio College to study dental hygiene, where she met her lifelong friend, Susan, on the bus home. Their first child, Alexander, arrived in 1973. Soon after, the family moved back to New York and then came their first daughter, Karen, two years later. Upon moving back to San Antonio, Frances devoted herself to raising her two children, building a network of family friends, and volunteering at both the kids’ schools and at St. Helena Catholic Church. A few years later, their youngest daughter, Tricia, was born. Through her strong faith, Frances set an example for her children by following the path of God through unconditional love and she showed them that true love is sacrifice and selflessness.

Frances began a life-long passion for sewing in the early 1980s and eventually created her own business, Frances Craft Creations, where she enjoyed selling her handcrafts throughout the state. In fact, many of her co-workers and family friends, like Debbie, marveled at Frances’s God-given talent to “freehand” sew items without so much as a pattern. In 1988, she began picking up a second job at Hancock Fabrics, where she never knew a stranger and treated everyone like family. It was there she met her dear friend Alice, who joked that she never knew anyone who could effortlessly sew tiny little buttons on Barbie Doll clothing. Through her passion for designing handmade crafts, she was able to help support her family and later used sewing as her “happy hour,” which brought her much joy.

Frances managed her family, small business, and maintained a booth at Homestead Handcrafts for more than 26 years. Through her work and personal relationships, Frances continued to touch and transform lives. Family, friends, and God were always her cornerstones, and selflessness was her foundation. With her children grown, she has left her legacy on Earth and departed for the Heavens. Though God has called this angel home, she will continue to touch and transform the lives of those who knew and loved her.

"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23).

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations to Frances’s favorite charities: The National Shrine of St. Jude (Chicago, IL), https://shrineofstjude.org/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/

Open visitation will be from 5-8pm, with Rosary at 7pm, on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home at 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 at St. Helena Catholic Church at 14714 Edgemont St, San Antonio, Texas with a Catholic service from 10-11am. Interment will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery at 17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas from 12-1pm. A celebration of life will be held afterwards from 1:30pm-4:30pm at the American Legion Post 667 on 504 Bowie Dr. Universal City Tx, 78148.