In Loving Memory of Maria Dolores "Dee" Garcia

Maria Dolores Garcia, age 89, entered into the presence of the Lord on July 30, 2025.

On behalf of her family and loving husband of 63 years, Jose "Joe" Garcia, our hearts are broken for the profound loss of our family's matriarch.

Fondly known to others as Dee, Mrs. G, Tia Lola, Grandma or Nan, she was the life of the party. She lived life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to celebrate, dance and spend time with family and friends.

She met Joe, the love of her life, in 1963 while he was stationed in Amarillo, Texas. They moved to Del Rio, Texas, in 1972 and the rest was history.

They became the proud parents of Cynthia Ann Aguilar, Elizabeth Ann Cruz, Jose "Joey" Alfredo Garcia, and Eric Gene Garcia.

She cherished and was most proud of her four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. In addition to her late siblings, great nieces and nephews, and relatives in the San Antonio, Texas area. She loved her family fiercely.

Throughout their almost 63 years of marriage, they both knew the true meaning of hard work and sacrifice. You could almost always find her working alongside Joe in their many business ventures, whether that meant keeping the books or greeting customers. She was a jack of all trades.

Her consistent, unwavering faith in God shone through in all aspects of her life. It was underscored in her volunteer work to help others such as with the Val Verde Regional Medical Center Auxiliaries Pink Ladies, as a hospice volunteer for many years, and active involvement with the Cancer and Prison ministries at GEO.

Those blessed to know her will never forget her uplifting and steadfast prayer for family, friends and even strangers. Her prayers were indispensable, there for each and every life milestone or hardship, and her prayers for safe travels were her signature. We were sure to guarantee that she would gather us all around to hold hands and pray. And if not, we sought her out to make sure she did.

She was strong, even until her last breath. She endured multiple health complications at the end, yet she was always willing to get back to daily life without complaints; and looked forward to it. She knew who she was and who she served.

She will be missed tremendously and her legacy will live on in the wonderful memories she gave to her family and friends. Her zest for life is a lesson to us all to live loudly and without fear. Special thanks to her medical caretakers, Janie and Irene, who brought her daily laughter, company and joy.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Dee was proceeded in death by her siblings: Arturo Mendivil, Trinidad Daniel Parada, Maria Louisa "YaYa" Rodriguez, and Emilia "Millie" Ramirez.

Dee is survived by: her loving husband, Joe Garcia; Her daughters, Cynthia Ann Aguilar [and daughters Stephanie Gil (E.J.) and Melinda Wenk (Matt)]; Elizabeth Ann Cruz [Raymond "Shorty," and daughters Bryanna Cruz (Angel) and Brittany Wellendorf (Taylor), and son Brandon Cruz]; Her sons, Joey Garcia [Rae, and sons Jordan Garcia and Justin Garcia, and daughter Rachel Garcia (James)]; Eric Garcia [Debbie, and sons Lionel Mata, Jr. (Claudia), Diego Garcia and Iris Kiniskey]. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren, and numerous great nieces, nephews, and many other cherished family members and dear friends.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM,  a memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM, at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 2020 N. Bedell Ave, Del Rio, Texas.

A chapel service will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 2020 N. Bedell Ave, Del Rio, Texas.

The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 5144 Hwy 90 East, Del Rio, Texas.