Matilde C. Garcia

An amazing lady, Mrs. Matilde Carolina Garcia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Thursday, March 12, 2015 at Providence Memorial Hospital. She was 101, and still very much alive and alert; with all her senses still functioning well. She was an exceptional person, born in Mexico City, immigrating to the United States with her mother and sister in 1916 which proved to be a great challenge, but also a great opportunity. She graduated from Bowie High School in its first graduating class (an amazing feat for her time), after she had moved from El Paso High School. Mrs. Garcia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, warmly remembered by her family.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Baldomero R. Garcia, her mother Jesusita Baca, her father Alberto Dorantes, a General in the Mexican Revolution, her sister Maria Luisa Baca, and her brother Jose E. Baca. She is survived by her only daughter, Olga C. Chavez and husband Roberto Chavez; by her grandsons Bobby Chavez Jr., wife Christina Cardenas, Adrian Chavez, wife Ana Dumond: her sisters Virgina Valencia, Carmen Herrrera: her brothers Carlos, Jesus (Equi), and Eduardo Baca, and her beloved dog Berlinetta.

She worked as a civilian for Ft. Bliss from 1947 to 1977 where she was considered a valuable member of the staff of Ft Bliss Air Defense Center. After retiring, she traveled extensively with her husband. She led a wonderful and fulfilled life and was a model mother and wife. She will be missed, but is now resting in peace and has gone to reside in the arms of the Lord.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Doniphan. Vigil Service will be Tuesday March 17, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Chapel-Doniphan. Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral. Interment will follow in Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.