Thelma Maria Baca

The Beautiful Artist

Mrs. Thelma Maria Baca was born in Calexico, California on July 1, 1929 to Luz & Aurelio Gaxiola. She was the youngest of their 3 daughters. She graduated from Santa Ana High School and worked as a cosmetologist and owned two beauty salons for many years in Garden Grove. She met and married Alfred Baca on August 10, 1952 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Ana. They lost their first child Francis through miscarriage. They went on to have 2 sons, Raymond Xavier and Alfred Stephen. Thelma had an eye for fashion and a passion for art. She excelled at china painting and her original work was often displayed at various art festivals including the OC Fair. Thelma also enjoyed reading, baking, quilting, crocheting and tending to her garden. She could sew anything with or without a pattern. Yes, she was remarkably talented. However, her most proud accomplishment was being a mother. Known for her culinary skills, Thelma would have freshly baked treats ready every day after school when her boys would come home. She did everything for her family with love and tenderness. That included sharing with them her beloved Catholic faith. A devout Catholic Thelma was a member of St. Columban Church in Garden Grove where she was involved with the Legion of Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotion, Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick and a daily communicant. She served the Church she loved and always shared her faith and her special relationship with Mother Francis Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen saint who holds a special place in our family. On Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Thelma passed away peacefully in her sleep. She’s preceded in death by her parents, and her two beloved sisters Lilly and Dora, son Raymond and husband Alfred. She leaves behind her son Reverend Father Al Baca and many loving family members and close friends who will miss her deep faith, her beautiful smile and wonderfully witty conversation.

A funeral mass for Thelma will occur Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Saint Columban Catholic Church, 10801 Stanford Ave,, Garden Grove, CA 92840. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 E Santiago Canyon Rd,, Orange, CA 92869.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dimondshannonmortuary.com for the Baca family.